Community cats can be found in small towns or big cities. Their prolific numbers are no fault of their own, but, rather, a product of ignorance or negligence from pet owners who allow their unneutered or unspayed cats to roam outdoors or have abandoned them altogether. Some view community cats as pests, while others have compassionately chosen to join the efforts to humanely decrease their populations. They accomplish this by trapping and neutering the cats and returning them to the trap site. This process is known as trap, neuter, return (TNR), or trap, neuter, vaccinate, return (TNVR). These individuals are the guardians who work tirelessly and thanklessly amidst all hours of the day to care for these forgotten felines.
Local and state lawmakers are continually addressing ways to help tackle stray cat populations. In Delaware, a statewide TNR/TNVR program was approved in October 2018, supporting the efficacy of this humane form of population control. New Jersey is currently viewing S1034, referred to as the “Compassion for Community Cats Law.” This bill would create funding for spay and neuter surgeries of feral or stray cats. The funds would be acquired from “monies collected for violations of the bill, the surcharge on dog licenses imposed by section 1 of P.L.1983, c.181 (C.4:19-15.3c), any moneys appropriated by the Legislature, and any return on investment of moneys deposited in the fund.” It has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Readily available funds would greatly aid the implementation of TNR/TNVR statewide.
Take Action: New Jersey residents, if you believe in supporting efforts to humanely reduce stray cat colonies, please contact your representative today! Other residents, please support programs and legislation in your area that seeks to help the forgotten “community cats.”
Learn more about TNR by downloading our free brochure.