CARIBOU, Maine — A “From Zero to Hero” will be held at the Caribou Public Library on Friday, March 24, to discuss the trap/neuter/release or relocate (T/N/R) feral cat program in Aroostook County.
The session will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Norma Milton, executive director of Halfway Home Pet Rescue in Caribou, demonstrating how to safely trap and transfer feral cats for transport to an area vet clinic for sterilization surgery.
While under anesthesia, Milton said, the vet clears the cat for parasites, does disease testing, gives vaccinations, cleans ears and treats for any ear mites. After this medical care, the cat then goes to a foster facility for recovery and then is either returned to the site, with daily food and insulated shelter available, or if necessary, the entire colony is relocated to a farmer’s barn to become well-cared-for rodent patrollers.
From 12:30 to 1 p.m., seminar participants may enjoy a “bring your own” brown-bag lunch with networking between area shelters and the general public.
At 1 pm, the Maine Federation of Humane Societies will present on how T/N/R works and why it is so intensively needed in Aroostook County. Katie Hansberry, director of the Maine State Humane Societies of the United States, will lead the discussion.
All cat lovers and/or people interested in humanely controlling and maintaining feral cat colonies are invited to attend. All HHPR supporters will be admitted free, which Milton said equals a yearly $20 donation of funding, volunteer work and/or pet supplies. For others, the cost is $20.
This program provides a 2-hour continuing education credit for professional ACO training. Snacks will be provided by HHPR.
For further information, call 999-1075.
