What is TNR?

TNR stands for Trap/Neuter/Release and is a scientifically proven method. Feral and stray cats are trapped and taken to a veterinarian where they receive vaccines, are treated for parasites and spayed or neutered. After recovery from surgery, cats that are strays (socialized to humans) are placed into homes if possible. Feral cats (no chance of socialization) are released back to the environment.

Why not just kill them or take them to a shelter?

Killing them doesn’t fix the problem.  Just as importantly, these animals have the right to life. TNR programs are compassionate and socially responsible. They improve the quality of feral cats’ lives by reducing the stresses of mating behaviours while supporting the colony with food, water and shelter. Taking a feral cat to an animal shelter will mean certain death because it can’t be placed into a home. As well, it has been proven that removing cats from a colony creates The Vacuum Effect, whereby the newly available resources attract more cats and the cycle continues. Trap/Neuter/Release stabilizes the colony and limits its growth by keeping the cats in their territories and stopping the production of kittens.

Point of Interest – Under the Leeds and 1000 Islands Animal Control By-law, cats are permitted to run free.

Facts about TNR and its benefits

• Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) programs are the only way to successfully stabilize a feral cat colony.
• Neutered cats are less of a neighbourhood nuisance. They fight less and make less noise. They’re less aggressive and don’t roam as much.
• TNR keeps cats out of shelters and keeps them alive. According to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies’ 2012 statistics, 41% of cats taken to shelters were euthanized.