Community Cat Program

What is the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program?

There are several feral cat communities in and around the area that need control.  The plan is to trap, spay or neuter, and return these animals to the location where they were trapped.

Why not just euthanize them?

When animals are permanently removed from a colony, new ones move in.  Neutered animals control the colony and eventually shrink the established numbers at a rate that keeps the population stable, not allowing newcomers.

What has been done so far?

On March 1, 2016, Peggy Imbrie began work as the Community Cat Program Coordinator.  Here's a summary of what has been achieved:
  • The old thrift store area inside Hope's Haven is now a vet clinic for Trap-Neuter-Return (T-N-R) efforts:
    • Housing cats pre and post surgery, performing surgeries, caring for cats post-surgery, holding area for cats who need extra care.
    • Four veterinarians and one vet tech volunteer their time to perform surgeries once a month.
    • Volunteers from the community help to trap, feed & water cats, clean cages, and assist with monthly clinics.
    • Over 250 felines have been spayed/neutered and most returned to the location they were trapped:
    • kittens and more sociable felines were kept at Hope's Haven for adoption.
    • The City of St. Maries has approved a resolution supporting T-N-R efforts.
    • St. Maries High School Shop students have build shelters and feeding stations to add comfort and protection for ferals.
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March 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016:

Spays: 119
Neuters: 131
Total: 250

Number of TNR Clinics: 7

Number of cats S/N at TNR Clinic: 216

Number of cats S/N at other vets: 34

Trapping Locations: St. Maries, Chatcolet, Emida, Fernwood, Santa, Plummer, Tensed, DeSmet

Number of cats removed from Tensed hoarder: 38 (4 returned)

Number of cats relocated to barns: 48

Number of cats trapped at Transfer Station: 33

Number of trapping locations: 38