The Present Problem
That We Face
How The TNR Program
Works
The Mechanics of of the BCCI Feral Cat TNR
Program
1.
Burlington County municipalities are individually polled for their
willingness to accommodate our program Those townships inviting a BCCI
presentation will be offered a Power Point presentation to their
township committees by BCCI staff. The presentation stresses that TNR
is the only proven solution for long-term reduction of feral cat
populations, reduction of animal control costs and protecting the
public health. A model ordinance will be offered to the municipalities
whose passage will ensure that feral feeders be compliant with strict
BCCI program rules (which will ensure that all feral colonies be
spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and properly maintained).
2.
For those municipalities adopting a model feral cat TNR ordinance, BCCI
staff will reach out to local caregivers of feral colonies, offering
those caregivers training in TNR and proper feral colony care. Those
caregivers signing on to the program will be entitled to free
spay/neuter/vaccination/microchip services and help with feral colony
care. Oral rabies vaccine will also be broadcast around each feral
colony in an effort to rabies vaccinate any raccoons sharing feral cat
food sources.
3.
Inherent in the relationship between BCCI program participants and the
local animal control and public health officials, any cat picked or
trapped will be scanned for a microchip before being brought to the
shelter. If, upon scanning for an id microchip, a chip is found, the
owner/caregiver will be immediately contacted and arrangements will be
made to for the animal's return, in most cases, before arriving at the
shelter.
4
Each colony caregiver will be required to update colony counts for an
annual census. Because each cat will have a unique id, a real feral cat
census will be possible and the effectiveness of the BCCI program will
be evaluated.
5.
BCCI will have an annual "roundup" event for each township which will
be an opportunity to further educate the public about feral cats and
the BCCI progam as well as to reach any new colonies that have not yet
been treated.
