Pam's TNR Blog - October 2011

October 2011

It has been a busy October so far! The most exciting event was the first Arizona Humane Society (AHS) clinic on October 11th. There were 75 cats in the door including cats from several large colonies trapped by me and Suzie. I brought in 27 cats from three colonies and Suzie brought in 29 cats from three other colonies. It is exciting that ADLA is now partnering with the AHS to reduce the number of unwanted cats and kittens being turned in. Many are euthanized due to lack of space, are not adoptable because they are too young, un-socialized or unhealthy. Trap-Neuter Return (TNR) continues to be the most humane and effective methods of stabilizing free-roaming cat populations and of reducing cat euthanasia at open intake shelters such as the AHS.


The photo above was taken at the colony at a motel on Van Buren. These cats would never have been fixed had not Sharon, a neighborhood activist, had not taking action. I've worked with Sharon for years helping to sterilize tame and feral cats in her neighborhood. Very few caregivers in this neighborhood can afford to fix their pets...least of all the free-roaming cats they are feeding. TNR would be "world away" from them if not for Sharon's involvement and persistence. We are truly making a difference. Sharon makes sure all cats and dogs are spayed and neutered in her neighborhood and is relentless in her efforts. I am happy to have been a part of this effort over the years. Thank you Sharon. The photo above was taken after 21 cats were released at the motel on Van Buren near I-17...where they were eating a welcome breakfast!
October has always been our busiest month and this year should be no exception.


I'd like to thank the Spay Neuter Hotline (SNH) for starting a TNR program in 2009 so we could continue to sterilize over 10,000 cats/year. Personally, I have been doing TNR since 2003. My involvement with the SNH goes back to 1992 when it was started to help bring low-cost a first attempt to those in need. The SNH is celebrating its 20th anniversary this coming year. We've come a long way since then but not far enough...especially where free-roaming cats are concerned. However, things are changing and thanks to visionaries like Jan Raven, TNR in Maricopa County is approaching a level not seen by any other community in the country and perhaps the world. Thank you Jan for your efforts to get TNR going in the valley. In 2011 we hope to sterilize more than 10,000 feral cats thanks to all our caregivers, volunteers, donors and grantors and everyone who has helped make ADLA's Spay Neuter Hotline's TNR a tremendous success!

To sign up for the TNR program please call the Hotline at: 602-265-7729 (SPAY) or email: feralcats@adlaz.org.