ACR is Asking for Control of Feral Cats Without Killing

MT. RAINIER, Md., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just when cities' budgets are stretched to the limits and local animal control agencies are already overwhelmed, the American Bird Conservancy sends out a plea to the mayors of 50 U.S. cities to support anti-Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) policies and feeding bans for feral cats.

This latest stunt promoted by ABC, however, comes at no surprise, following another letter the group sent to the Department of the Interior this past summer. In that letter, the group urges the Secretary to develop "a Department-wide policy opposing Trap-Neuter-Release and the outdoor feeding of cats as a feral cat management option, coupled with a plan of action to address existing infestations affecting lands managed by the Department of the Interior."

ABC is once again proposing that taxpayers foot the bill for trapping and killing feral cats instead of allowing TNR proponents, who usually pay out of their own pockets, to manage the cats. Darin Schroeder, Vice President for Conservation Advocacy for the American Bird Conservancy, goes as far to urge mayors "to issue a policy directive opposing TNR and halt city funding if any is currently being expended."

It costs most cities and towns anywhere from $130 to $170 to impound and euthanize feral cats. ABC ignores the thousands of ordinary citizens out there who for years have gone out on their own time, with their own money, to help stabilize and reduce feral cat colonies.

To get a handle on the numbers, last week Alley Cat Rescue mailed over 650 Surveys to feral cat caretakers. We are hoping when the surveys are returned and tallied, we will have a better idea of how many people are providing care and medical treatment for feral cats.

Schroeder calls for mayors to oppose "Trap-Neuter-Re-abandon (TNR) programs and the outdoor feeding of cats as a feral cat management option." On the contrary, TNR is not only the most humane management tool for feral cats, it is the most effective.  TNR advocates work to end cat homelessness, by providing spay/neuter services and monitoring colonies. Suggesting that cities should ignore the life-saving techniques of TNR and embrace lethal eradication practices would be to "abandon" these animals.

Alley Cat Rescue is urging TNR supporters to speak up against ABC's latest ploy to vilify feral cats by writing letters to your local town council, to the state government, and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

About Alley Cat Rescue

Alley Cat Rescue is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of stray and feral cats. ACR has operated spay clinics in Mexico and spayed/neutered over 22,000 in MD. We are a no-kill shelter that strongly advocates TNR programs for feral cats. We also operate an adoption program at a local PETsMART store. ACR has been awarded the Independent Charities of Americas "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and our newsletter has won many awards from the Cat Writers Association.  For more information visit our website at www.saveacat.org.

SOURCE Alley Cat Rescue