City ordinance needs to support TNR effort

Dear editor,

I am writing to bring attention to an important issue in our community regarding the Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, program for feral cats. Beverly King and I, both longtime advocates for the welfare of feral cats, have recently faced challenges in continuing their work within the city limits.

We were advised by a couple of law enforcement officials, including the chief of police as well as the animal shelter manager, that we were no longer permitted to continue to TNR due to several city ordinances. Previously, we were instrumental in the Elmore County Sniff organization in which I helped run the TNR program for two years.

Together, we successfully spayed and neutered more than 250 feral and stray cats. We were not aware we were not allowed to do so, according to these ordinances.

Once we were made aware, we immediately wanted to see if something could be done to continue this important work as well as comply with the law.

However, Beverly resigned from Elmore County Sniff, and In also left after several disagreements within the group last December. In January, we founded a new program known as the Lost Paws TNR/TNVR as a way to continue the mission to help feral and stray cats.

To date, Lost Paws has successfully spayed and neutered 20 cats through this program.

On March 25, Beverly and I plan to return to the city council to request that the city ordinances be amended to allow TNR. The need for this program is critical in helping caretakers of feral and stray cats get them spayed and neutered, preventing further overpopulation and suffering.

We hope the community will stand with them in their mission, as their work continues to make a positive difference.

This is an opportunity for the community to rally behind the cause of responsible animal care and support a proven solution to the feral cat issue. We encourage all concerned citizens to attend the city council meeting that evening and speak in support of TNR.

Your voice can help ensure that the city takes the necessary steps to protect animals, reduce overpopulation and improve the quality of life for all residents.

– Shannon Evans, Mountain Home