The RM of Bifrost–Riverton held its inaugural free spay and neuter clinic for cats on Jan. 3.
Thirty cats were spayed or neutered during Riverton’s inaugural free spay and neuter clinic held Jan. 3 at the Riverton Community Hall
Municipal residents and their cats lined up outside the Riverton Community Hall by 8 a.m., filling the first-come, first-served appointments within two hours. Organizer Crysalis Halpin said she couldn’t have asked for a better turnout.
“It was awesome,” said Halpin. “We were able to fill all 30 spots, and those cats were spayed or neutered for free. The day went extremely well.”
Halpin brought the idea forward to Bifrost–Riverton council in October after she and her daughter found a lost kitten. Aware of the growing number of stray cats in the municipality, she wanted to find a proactive solution to help manage the population.
Approximately 10 stray cats were brought to the clinic, with the remaining spots filled by cats from local households. The clinic ran as a full-day event, with Halpin and her four daughters — aged 9, 12, 13 and 19 — arriving at 7:30 a.m. and staying until 5:30 p.m. to help with setup and takedown.
Veterinarian Dr. Peter Iskander of Bark and Meow Mobile Veterinary Clinic, along with two veterinary technologists, performed the surgeries and vaccinations. Halpin said she was grateful for their support and proud to show her daughters that meaningful change can happen through dedication and hard work.
“My daughters were totally on top of it all day,” she said.
The clinic was funded by the RM, with donations collected to support ongoing and future clinics. Halpin said the event was well received, with many residents asking how they could donate and cat owners expressing gratitude for having access to the service locally.
While future plans have not yet been finalized, Halpin said she hopes additional clinics will be held.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported this project so far,” she said. “Myself — and the cats — appreciate it so much.”
