Trap - Neuter - Release (TNR)

 

 

There is disagreement about whether free-roaming felines are helpful or harmful to native wildlife populations. One thing is certain, however: how ever cats are viewed, Trap-Neuter-Release (or TNR) programs are more effective at managing their populations than traditional catch and kill approaches. They are also less expensive and more humane.

A well-organized TNR effort will:

 

• Reduce the number of free-roaming cats being born in a community, thereby reducing the number of cats entering shelters in the future.

• Prevent free-roaming cats from entering animal shelters today.

• Save shelters the costs of impounding, caring for, killing and disposing of free-roaming cats.

• Provide public health benefits by vaccinating free-roaming cats for Rabies.

For in-depth information about TNR, watch this webinar (at left) from Mike Fry who is not only the former Executive Director at Animal Ark, he is the former Clinic Coordinator for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic and the former Rehabilitation Manager for the HOWL Wildlife Center. He discusses the interesting population dynamics in play regarding free-roaming cats, TNR and wildlife.

 

Because TNR not only increases live outcomes, it also reduced intake over the years and because it is very cost-effective, it is a vital part of the No Kill Equation, and a tool every shelter or rescue should have available to them.