TNR working in other parts of the province

With limited funding and a volunteer core of only four people, TeamTNR has accomplished a great deal. Since its beginning in February 2006, 407 cats have been through the program: 211 females were spayed and 182 males were neutered. Only 14 cats had to be euthanized due to illness or injury, dispelling the myth that stray and feral cats are unhealthy. The cats will continue to live in their colonies in barns and outbuildings across the county with dedicated caretakers providing food and shelter.

Most importantly, they will not be reproducing at the average rate of 4-5 kittens, twice a year. Each one of those kittens can begin reproducing before they reach the age of one year. Its estimated that one breeding pair of cats can produce 40,000 offspring over seven years.

Spokesperson Jill Brideau says TeamTNR relied heavily on the Alley Cat Allies website (www.alleycat.org) to help develop their program. “I suggest anyone who is thinking of a TNR program to thoroughly browse this website. It guides you through the challenges you will come across,” she said. Brideau also strongly suggests that new groups start by identifying a problem area to make it a "pilot project". For example, the barn just outside of town with all the cats running around she said. Local animal control may help you identify an area for the pilot project. “Raise some money, deal with that specific area. Then you can say to the public and local government, ‘Here is what the problem was, here is how we handled it, here is what it cost, here is what the outcome is -- the outcome should be that the cat colony does not grow in size, the cats no longer fight, spray or exhibit other bad behaviours and no more money will need to be spent to get the situation manageable’,” she said.

Both Bridgewater and Berwick have followed these steps successfully and their programs are ongoing.

In Windsor, local volunteers and the Windsor Business Enhancement Society spurred a recent feral felines spay/neuter program.