Trap/Neuter/Return - WHY it is the Solution
In 2013 A-PAL Humane Society, with the cooperation of Amador County Animal Control, launched a Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program with the goal of limiting and eventually reversing feral cat overpopulation in the county. While there are still differing opinions on the success of TNR as a population-reducing alternative to feral cat euthanasia, we believe any program for the humane reduction of feral cats must be comprehensive, persistent and multi-faceted to be successful. We think the figures and diagrams cited here, using data from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), will help you decide that TNR is the best course of action.
For years shelters took in unwanted feral cats and euthanized them after a specific holding period. Even though that holding period was often traumatic for a feral, it was thought to be the most humane way to treat these cats, as it spared them from living such miserable lives in the wild. What we have learned is that feral euthanasia makes no significant impact on the cat population. Most ferals were actually healthy and thriving because well-intentioned people were feeding them. In addition to that, we have found that, in our county, nearly 20% or these breeding “feral” cats are actually free-roaming unaltered pets.
TNR, when implemented at shelters in larger cities, showed positive results. Feral cat intake dropped dramatically and the euthanasia rate dropped as well. In Amador County, largely because of the TNR program, we achieved a save rate of 90% of our animal intake at the shelter in 2013 and 2014. It is important to note that, in 1988, the save rate was only 15%. Hard work by shelter staff and A-PAL, in partnership with dozens of dedicated volunteers, has brought about this positive change.
Looking to the future, we are asking that people who feed feral cats become A-PAL Colony
Managers. Among other things, this agreement would require vigilant monitoring and follow-up spaying or neutering of intact cats as they enter a colony, to keep feral populations from exploding. In Amador County, feral cat spay/neuter is FREE to all county residents.
TNR is reasonably simple, too:
If you or someone you know feeds feral cats, or if you know there are ferals on your property, you are urged to join in our TNR program to prevent overpopulation and the suffering that results from it. Help us make this a success, and we can look forward to a day when feral cats are no longer a ‘nuisance’ in our community.
NEED A TRAP? Amador County Animal Control & Adoption Center has traps to loan, free to Amador residents who have decided to participate in our TNR program.
For years shelters took in unwanted feral cats and euthanized them after a specific holding period. Even though that holding period was often traumatic for a feral, it was thought to be the most humane way to treat these cats, as it spared them from living such miserable lives in the wild. What we have learned is that feral euthanasia makes no significant impact on the cat population. Most ferals were actually healthy and thriving because well-intentioned people were feeding them. In addition to that, we have found that, in our county, nearly 20% or these breeding “feral” cats are actually free-roaming unaltered pets.
TNR, when implemented at shelters in larger cities, showed positive results. Feral cat intake dropped dramatically and the euthanasia rate dropped as well. In Amador County, largely because of the TNR program, we achieved a save rate of 90% of our animal intake at the shelter in 2013 and 2014. It is important to note that, in 1988, the save rate was only 15%. Hard work by shelter staff and A-PAL, in partnership with dozens of dedicated volunteers, has brought about this positive change.
Looking to the future, we are asking that people who feed feral cats become A-PAL Colony
Managers. Among other things, this agreement would require vigilant monitoring and follow-up spaying or neutering of intact cats as they enter a colony, to keep feral populations from exploding. In Amador County, feral cat spay/neuter is FREE to all county residents.
TNR is reasonably simple, too:
- Rent or borrow a trap. A-PAL or shelter staff can show you how to set one up. Or, click here (http://www.feralcat.com/trapinst.html#A1.2) for a complete printable PDF of humane trapping instructions.
- Call the participating vet of your choice and make a tentative (FREE) appointment.
- Take the captured cat to the vet for FREE spay or neuter surgery.
- Pick up. Return. Repeat.
If you or someone you know feeds feral cats, or if you know there are ferals on your property, you are urged to join in our TNR program to prevent overpopulation and the suffering that results from it. Help us make this a success, and we can look forward to a day when feral cats are no longer a ‘nuisance’ in our community.
NEED A TRAP? Amador County Animal Control & Adoption Center has traps to loan, free to Amador residents who have decided to participate in our TNR program.