Thunder Bay Humane Society edges closer to spay-neuter clinic

The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society unveiled plans Wednesday night for its high-volume spay and neuter clinic.

At4,000 square feet, the facilitywill help deal with the overpopulation of unwanted animals, board president JudyDeciccosaid

"It's going to be a very busy place because the spay andneuter clinic [will likely] see 25 procedures a day," she said.

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Overpopulation of animals is a concern in the region,Decicco said, adding the shelter is currently full, with 18 more puppies arriving next week.

"It's the time of year for litters that a lot of people don't want or can't keep them," she said. "So we end up with them. It's the accidental breeding that leads to overpopulation of companion animals."

The plans and drawings for the new building were unveiled at the society's annual general meeting.

"It's over the top. It's been a dream of the founders of this organization for a long time," Decicco said. "We are very excited."

In southern Ontario, the SPCA is operating three high-volume spay-neuter clinics, Decicco noted. The Thunder Bay Humane society felt it was time to get one in the north. Making Thunder Bay a "hub" for the northwest was ideal, she said.

The society's 'Take the Lead' fundraising campaign needs $200,000 to get the building project going. They have so far raised more than $100,000.