September 23, 2018 ~ SOOKE. As many people still struggle with overall life affordability, sadly some of them can no longer take care of their pets.
The local Victoria Pet Food Bank and Feral Cat Rehabilitation Society (aka SAFARS) group is one resource they turn to, to rescue or find a foster home for their cats.
SAFARS declines to operate with charity status (which would limit their ability to lobby for improvement in animal care rights and regulations).
SAFARS relies exclusively on donations. To become an animal support volunteer or to make a donation call the organizers at 778-352-2999 or visit www.safars.org
As part of your voting research during the current municipal election, you could find out which candidates for Sooke mayor and council support changing the bylaws to allow for cat rescue services to be allowed in private homes. Requiring a tract of land is not a realistic economic feat for most volunteer organizations.
There is a Sooke mayoralty forum on Wednesday, October 3, from 7 to 9 pm at EMCS school. The general election date is Saturday, October 20.
::: First published on page 1 in the September 21, 2018 issue of West Shore Voice News