smithsonian "StUdy"
Project TNR has been contacted by a number of people with questions about the recent "study" on cats and wildlife. For an excellent critique of the study, and an explanation of why the numbers it comes up with are largely nonsense, we refer you to Vox Felina.
But regardless of what the actual numbers are, of cats or wildlife killed by cats, the question is how to reduce feral cat populations effectively and humanely. Trap-Neuter-Return has been shown, again and again all over New Jersey and the country, to reduce feral cat populations better than trap and kill ever has and better than ignoring the problem does.
The new "study" does not contradict this data, or even look at it. Municipalities have seen first-hand, after decades of trying to make trap and kill work, that the huge expense in lives and taxpayer dollars did not result in fewer cats. Municipalities that embrace TNR have, in contrast, seen the numbers go down dramatically. There are many reasons for this, having to do with resources, volunteer participation, cooperation from residents, and the way that TNR combats the vacuum effect.
OVERVIEW
New Jersey’s central resource for
Feral cat and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) information
Project TNR encourages and assists with the implementation of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the effective, cost-effective and humane method of managing feral cat numbers, protecting public health and reducing impact on wildlife. We provide technical assistance to municipalities, nonprofits, and residents, and advocate on behalf of feral cats and feral cat caregivers.
Using this technique, all the cats in a colony are trapped, altered and vaccinated against rabies. Feral cats are then returned to their territory where caregivers provide them with lifelong food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Young kittens who can still be socialized, as well as friendly adults, are placed in foster care and eventually adopted out to good homes.
TNR is a movement that is growing by leaps and bounds as residents and local governments see its potential. It is on a trajectory to become the predominant method of feral cat population control.
Please see the links on either side for educational materials, ways to connect with other caregivers, how TNR can benefit your town, sample TNR ordinances and much more.
Click below to read our latest newsletter, the Nexus News.
If after reviewing the materials on this website, you feel overwhelmed or unable to move forward with a TNR plan, feel free to contact a local mentor group where available. Click on the map below to find a list of mentor organizations in your area that engage in Trap-Neuter-Return.
