News of the Jefferson police department’s handling of trapped feral cats spread last week after mayor Craig Berry mentioned a meeting with representatives from Animal Protection and Education and the Animal Rescue League.
Although some of the reaction was mean and bitter, particularly the targeting of Jefferson city council member Matt Wetrich, who represented the city in television news coverage, some was proactive and helpful.
Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit organization based in Bethesda, MD, sent a letter to Mayor Berry, chief of police Mark Clouse, and council members Larry Teeples, Harry Ahrenholtz and David Sloan, offering help in launching a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program much faster than the 18 month timeline proposed at last week’s council meeting.
Alley Cat Allies president Becky Robinson wrote that her organization had been contacted by Jefferson residents who are caring for “community cats,” spending their own money to take them to veterinarians to be altered and vaccinated. They want to continue to help care for cat colonies and learn the best practices of TNR. “They are motivated and are part of the solution you are seeking. They can become the foundation of your new program,” Robinson wrote.
She wrote that Alley Cat Allies has launched TNR programs in a matter of a few weeks. “We understand there is concern with your ordinances. However you don’t need 18 months to get basic TNR and humane education programs off the ground,” she wrote.
“Humane education, spay/neuter and vaccination of cats, including trap-neuter-return for unowned, unsocialized cats ((AKA community cats) will meet the needs of your community and improve the cats’ relationship with your community,” the letter stated.
Panora, Waterloo and Beaman have implemented TNR programs.
