Dear New York Advocate,
The number of free-roaming (or "feral") cats in the United States is estimated to be in the tens of millions.
Trap-Neuter-Release programs humanely trap and transport feral cats to veterinarians to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, after which they are returned safely to their neighborhoods. As the only humane and effective method proven to manage homeless cats and prevent population growth, these programs can have enormous value to a community.
However, these programs are not eligible for funding from the State.
Fortunately, lawmakers in Albany have introduced A.9487/S.7290, legislation that would allow a portion of New York State Animal Population Control Program funds to support much-needed TNR programs across Upstate New York and on Long Island.
At least 15 other states have animal population control programs that cover the costs of TNR programs. We need your help to make New York the next state to take this important step for feral cats!