Writer maintains no method is going to curb cat population

A trap, neuter and release program (TNR) will not solve the feral cat problem and can make matters worse. Unless the parameters include enclosing colonies and/or making the caretakers the legal owners of the cats so there is accountability, TNR should not be done.

TNR has not been proven to reduce the number of feral cats through natural attrition. Colonies grow in size because the food source attracts neighborhood cats and irresponsible pet owners abandon their cats into colonies.

Those cats that remain untrapped are fed and better able to breed. TNR is based on perpetual colony maintenance. These colonies do not die out as TNR advocates would have folks believe.

Trap and remove has been proven to work when the food source is also removed. Many adult feral cats can be socialized and euthanasia, as a last resort, is a more humane and compassionate outcome than releasing domestic companion animals outdoors to live and die in cat colonies. Feral cats are not wildlife and their home is not outdoors.

Cats are non-native predators and significantly affect wildlife already struggling to survive. Well-fed cats still hunt, and threatened and endangered species should not be further compromised by the presence of free-roaming cats.

Cats are not territorial and this is precisely how these colonies increase in size. The food also attracts rabies vector species and any time a large number of animals congregate in one spot there is increased risk for the spread of diseases. TNR is environmentally irresponsible and does nothing to protect our natural resources.

This is a public health issue. The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians has stated that there is no evidence that colony management programs will reduce diseases. Cats are not retrapped for additional veterinary care.

No method is going to curb the cat population. Education is the best chance to make a difference. TNR undermines educational efforts regarding responsible pet ownership.

Please see this Web site for additional information: www.TNRrealitycheck.com.

Linda Cherkassky

Voorhees