TNR PROGRAM

Program Description

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program
Supporting Birmingham's Community Cats – A Humane Approach

1. Program Overview
   The Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program at RESCUES ON85TH addresses the critical issue of community and feral cat overpopulation in Birmingham, Alabama. Uncontrolled breeding leads to overcrowded shelters, higher euthanasia rates, and reduced quality of life for these cats.

This program provides a humane, effective solution by safely trapping community cats, providing spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and returning them to their original locations. TNR efforts improve cat health, prevent disease spread, and foster sustainable, compassionate communities.

2. Program Goals
   Reduce the overpopulation of feral and community cats through humane methods.
   Improve the health and safety of community cats by preventing disease and injury.
   Decrease shelter intake and euthanasia rates.
   Promote awareness and responsible cat management within the community.

3. Program Components

3.1 Humane Cat Population Management
Objective: Control community cat populations without euthanasia.
Services include safe trapping and transport, spay and neuter surgeries, rabies and core vaccinations, ear-tipping for identification, and safe return to original locations.
Eligibility: Cats located in Jefferson County and surrounding rural areas.

3.2 Veterinary Care and Support
Objective: Ensure community cats receive essential health care.
Services include spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and wellness checks.
Eligibility: Cats identified by TNR teams or community reports.

3.3 Long-Term Population Control
Objective: Sustainably reduce cat populations over time.
Services include ongoing trapping cycles, monitoring of managed colonies, and follow-up care.
Eligibility: Areas with high feral cat populations.

4. Eligibility Requirements
   Location: Cats must be in Jefferson County or nearby rural communities.
   Verification: Identified through community reports or TNR team assessments.
   Commitment: Caregivers must agree to ongoing monitoring and communication.

5. Volunteer Opportunities
   TNR Volunteers: Assist with trapping, transporting, and monitoring cats.
   Outreach Coordinators: Promote TNR awareness and educate the community.
   Supply Coordinators: Manage donations and resources related to TNR activities.

6. Program Impact
   Reducing Overpopulation: Lowers the number of unowned cats and kittens in the community.
   Preventing Euthanasia: Provides a humane alternative to population control.
   Enhancing Cat Health and Safety: Reduces disease risks and improves quality of life for community cats.
   Cost-Effective Population Management: TNR is more efficient and sustainable than shelter-based population control.
   Community Engagement: Encourages residents to participate in monitoring and support, fostering responsible cat stewardship.
   Building Compassionate Communities: Strengthens collaboration between residents, volunteers, and animal advocates to create

   a safer, healthier environment.

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