To the editor:
If you have been following the letters to the editor from Carroll Knox, you know by now that he is clearly against the feral cat TNR program operated by Halfway Home Pet Rescue. [Note: TNR stands for Trap, Neuter, Return/Release/ Relocate.] Knox has cited studies that “prove” TNR is not effective because, when released, feral cats resume their uncontrolled predation of area species. He is correct. There are many studies that draw these conclusions. But he is missing an important fact of these studies – their design.
I have reviewed a few of the studies on both sides of the issue and have noticed a trend. Studies that claim TNR is not effective examined programs where the cats were returned or released to broad geographic regions (often rural or wild) and not subsequently monitored or managed by feeding and sheltering. It is no big surprise that these cats placed in a habitat without making any other changes to the environment continued predatory behavior in order to survive. However, the studies claiming TNR is effective examined programs where the cats were released or relocated to smaller regions (often urban) and subsequently monitored and managed. These studies found feral cats in tended colonies were far more likely not to resume hunting other species for survival.
Now let’s look at the TNR program of Halfway Home Pet Rescue. Feral colonies are identified by area residents, cats are trapped, they are examined for disease, vaccinated, neutered/spayed, and relocated to controlled, managed environments. They are not released into the wild. If there are kittens, they are fostered and become domesticated so they can be adopted. This is the model of responsible and humane cat control.
Whether you love cats or hate them, it’s hard to argue that the TNR program of Halfway Home has not been effective. Just two cats left intact can end up being the origin of more than 2,000 cats in just four years. HHPR TNR has impacted hundreds of cats in the area. Imagine the consequences of not having this community service. HHPR will and should continue the operation of this program.
Should you donate to organizations that feed starving children around the world? Yes, of course. That’s what compassionate people do. Should you donate to a local area animal rescue? Yes, of course. That’s what compassionate people do.
Robyn M. Smith
Caribou
