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Development along the Coney Island Boardwalk is destroying the homes of dozens of cats that have been living there in colonies managed by local caretakers. These colonies need TNR (trap neuter Return)  and the cats need to be managed properly.   An explanation of TNR is given by Alley Cat Allies: 

 

The cats you are seeing are feral cats. Feral cats are domestic cats. Like pet cats. The difference is that feral cats have had little or no contact with humans, and so they are fearful of us and cannot be adopted. They have a home—the outdoors. And, there is a simple way you can help them: Trap-Neuter-Return.

 

This program ends reproduction, stabilizes feral cat populations, and improves individual cats’ lives. The behaviors and stresses associated with mating— pregnancy, yowling, and fighting—stop.

 

What is Trap-Neuter-Return?

 

Trap: Humanely trap all of the cats in a colony (a group of cats living outdoors together).

Neuter: Take the cats in their traps to a veterinarian or clinic to be neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped (a universal symbol indicating they have been neutered).Return:

Return the cats to their original outdoor home.

 

While Sanitation workers routinely search for and destroy winter shelters that are placed to help the cats survive the cold weather, and the bulldozing has destroyed natural shelter for them, TNR humanely stops the breeding cycle of cats and therefore improves their lives while preventing reproduction. It is a fact that the removal and killing of outdoor cats that animal control has been pursuing for decades is never ending and futile. Since feral cats are not adoptable, they are killed in pounds and shelters. With a successful program like Trap-Neuter-Return to turn to, it’s hard to believe that animal control agencies continue to kill cats, even though that approach has shown zero results. It is time to put an end to catch and kill. Trap-Neuter-Return provides a life-saving, effective solution for these beautiful, independent cats. There are so many reasons to embrace and promote TNR! Trap-Neuter-Return: 

 

Fifteen years ago Atlantic City had an estimated 350-400 feral cats living under the boardwalk. Considered to be a public nuisance, the cats were slated to be trapped and killed. Alley Cat Allies stepped in, however, and through a city-endorsed TNR project took care of them. These cats now live in  managed colonies under the boardwalk, cared for by volunteers. (Watch the short video below.) Can't we do this for our Coney Island Cats? 

A Possible Solution to the Coney Island Situation

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