Thank you so much to everyone who commented and answered our poll. Even where there is disagreement, it's evident that everyone who responded cares about the well-being of the often-overlooked feral cat. We love hearing back from our friends and readers. You can also comment and share your views, ideas, and experiences on the NHES facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/TheNHES?ref=br_tf .
I am the founder of an affordable Spay/Neuter program in upstate NY. We support and do TNR in our 27' mobile clinic. Our organization has income guidelines because we want to help those that need it the most and we do not have a bottomless barrel of money. In addition to TNR the judicial need to change their philosophy and start coming down harder on those that create the feral problem by dumping and abandonment, stop the slap on the wrist and sending the perpetrator back to do it again! We recommend that these colonies have a care giver to provide food & water and hopefully a primitive shelter. Those persons who blame these cats for all bird kill need to factor in the birds that die from the chemical fertilizers
that are used by home owners and in agriculture.
Rosalie Tatay - 10 years ago
I think it is horrible to mistreat poor, innocent animals and I think the punishment should be harsh--several months in jail.
norma campbell - 10 years ago
I do wildlife rehab and feral/stray cats do take a horrible toll on wildlife especially birds and baby mammals. HOWEVER the problem does not originate with the animals involved, it originates from our disposable throw away get a new one society. All of these ferals originated from stray pets, then the first generation bred and now you have ferals (and still a lot of strays) all over the world.
TNR takes a lot of effort and persistence, IT DOES WORK, IT DOES TAKE YEARS, BUT IT DOES WORK .
People must stop dumping cats or allowing their pets to bred. If you dont want your cat take it to the vet or shelter and pay to have it put down. Its more humane that letting it starve or be killed on the streets.
SUPPORT TNR
Wendy - 10 years ago
TNR is a fantastic way to assist the feline colonies, in any area. I have volunteered with the FCC, in southern California. It provides a great opportunity for all the volunteers to learn. As well as providing a positive and humane way to handle the cat and kitten population.
I have traveled to Isreal, and in the cities & the country side, the feral cat population/collonies are allowed to exist in a very high volume. There doesn't appear to be a strong sentiment about the harmful spread of disease. In this country we can control that potential harm to humans and animals, in an inexpensive, humane and effective way.
Here's to caring about all life, as valuable. The feral cats help control the vermen population, which can be significantly hazardous disease carriers.
Sincerely,
Wendy
Steve Shoemaker - 10 years ago
I've read about studies showing the feral cat population having positive effects in nature. But w/the alarming rate of reproduction felines are capable of, there is a definite need for TNR. It will help in all aspects of their lives. Feral cats are not like domestic cats whereas they have adapted to living in the wild. Nature takes over. They find shelter just like a fox would. Things in nature help with fleas and other problems. Why put them down just because their wild..TNR would be a greatly appreciated by me, my community, and the cats.. respectfully
Edie Landinger - 10 years ago
I am very much against this program...The money spend by the shelters could be better spent if Spay and neuter was for dogs or cats that are adopable at in-take.
Turning the cats out again after being spayed and neuterd, having them out in freezing weather, or hot summers, to try to look for some place to get out of the weather, little or no water, fleas, sickness without any help. That is cruel..More humane to put down painlessly.
The cats lead a shot and hard life, that is not humane anyway you look at it.
Teresa Alvarez - 10 years ago
TNR is the only humane/intelligent solution to the devastating feral cat over population. I have TNRd the feral cats on my block (30+) which I feed and look after.
After learning to TNR when I found somebody to do mine, I have started to help other people to TNR their area's feral cats for a small fee to cover expenses.
If this has been started 20 yrs ago we would not be in this situation here in Miami where the feral cat population is staggering.
Thank you so much to everyone who commented and answered our poll. Even where there is disagreement, it's evident that everyone who responded cares about the well-being of the often-overlooked feral cat. We love hearing back from our friends and readers. You can also comment and share your views, ideas, and experiences on the NHES facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/TheNHES?ref=br_tf .
I am the founder of an affordable Spay/Neuter program in upstate NY. We support and do TNR in our 27' mobile clinic. Our organization has income guidelines because we want to help those that need it the most and we do not have a bottomless barrel of money. In addition to TNR the judicial need to change their philosophy and start coming down harder on those that create the feral problem by dumping and abandonment, stop the slap on the wrist and sending the perpetrator back to do it again! We recommend that these colonies have a care giver to provide food & water and hopefully a primitive shelter. Those persons who blame these cats for all bird kill need to factor in the birds that die from the chemical fertilizers
that are used by home owners and in agriculture.
I think it is horrible to mistreat poor, innocent animals and I think the punishment should be harsh--several months in jail.
I do wildlife rehab and feral/stray cats do take a horrible toll on wildlife especially birds and baby mammals. HOWEVER the problem does not originate with the animals involved, it originates from our disposable throw away get a new one society. All of these ferals originated from stray pets, then the first generation bred and now you have ferals (and still a lot of strays) all over the world.
TNR takes a lot of effort and persistence, IT DOES WORK, IT DOES TAKE YEARS, BUT IT DOES WORK .
People must stop dumping cats or allowing their pets to bred. If you dont want your cat take it to the vet or shelter and pay to have it put down. Its more humane that letting it starve or be killed on the streets.
SUPPORT TNR
TNR is a fantastic way to assist the feline colonies, in any area. I have volunteered with the FCC, in southern California. It provides a great opportunity for all the volunteers to learn. As well as providing a positive and humane way to handle the cat and kitten population.
I have traveled to Isreal, and in the cities & the country side, the feral cat population/collonies are allowed to exist in a very high volume. There doesn't appear to be a strong sentiment about the harmful spread of disease. In this country we can control that potential harm to humans and animals, in an inexpensive, humane and effective way.
Here's to caring about all life, as valuable. The feral cats help control the vermen population, which can be significantly hazardous disease carriers.
Sincerely,
Wendy
I've read about studies showing the feral cat population having positive effects in nature. But w/the alarming rate of reproduction felines are capable of, there is a definite need for TNR. It will help in all aspects of their lives. Feral cats are not like domestic cats whereas they have adapted to living in the wild. Nature takes over. They find shelter just like a fox would. Things in nature help with fleas and other problems. Why put them down just because their wild..TNR would be a greatly appreciated by me, my community, and the cats.. respectfully
I am very much against this program...The money spend by the shelters could be better spent if Spay and neuter was for dogs or cats that are adopable at in-take.
Turning the cats out again after being spayed and neuterd, having them out in freezing weather, or hot summers, to try to look for some place to get out of the weather, little or no water, fleas, sickness without any help. That is cruel..More humane to put down painlessly.
The cats lead a shot and hard life, that is not humane anyway you look at it.
TNR is the only humane/intelligent solution to the devastating feral cat over population. I have TNRd the feral cats on my block (30+) which I feed and look after.
After learning to TNR when I found somebody to do mine, I have started to help other people to TNR their area's feral cats for a small fee to cover expenses.
If this has been started 20 yrs ago we would not be in this situation here in Miami where the feral cat population is staggering.
Sincerely