Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi fellow rescuers - we are dealing with a difficult situation for our community cats in Birmingham, AL.  Animal control is suddenly rounding up cats from established colonies as part of a city initiative.  Has anyone had success fighting this type of thing?

Link to news story: https://www.wvtm13.com/article/part-of-birminghams-safe-streets-initiative-apparently-includes-getting-cats-off-the-street/61756315

 I'll try to post additional links separately.

#CommunityCatManagement
#LawsandPublicPolicy

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Cheryl May
Volunteer
Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue
AL
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HI Cheryl;

       Based on the story it looks like this just started?  It included dogs and a pig too.   Keep us updated..  As an organization you might want to notify the community to try and get their owned cats in at night and reach out to the ACO's to confirm that they know what ear tipping is and areas where the colonies are well managed.  They should also communicate with you areas that they believe need support for the animals and work together to try and find a better solution vs rounding them up(especially in the summer).  Let us know how this resolves.  

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Stacy LeBaron
Head Cat
The Community Cats Podcast
Warren VT
978-239-2090
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Our TNR Team has been working to find out what was happening to our community cats for a couple of weeks.  The story finally got attention from local news.  Our TNR Team is also working with Alley Cat Allies - here is what they are doing:

 Alley Cat Allies Acts to Protect Cats in Birmingham After Disturbing Situation Caught on Video

Alley Cat Allies		remove preview
Alley Cat Allies Acts to Protect Cats in Birmingham After Disturbing Situation Caught on Video There is no reason an animal control officer should ever capture and impound a loved and cared-for cat. Yet, that is exactly what happened to Nemo, a cat in Birmingham, Alabama, last week. Alley Cat Allies is exploring all possible legal action against the City of Birmingham and the officers involved in response to this [...] View this on Alley Cat Allies >

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Cheryl May
Volunteer
Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue
AL
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2024 02:54 AM
From: Stacy LeBaron
Subject: Mayor's initiative has animal control rounding up community cats

HI Cheryl;

       Based on the story it looks like this just started?  It included dogs and a pig too.   Keep us updated..  As an organization you might want to notify the community to try and get their owned cats in at night and reach out to the ACO's to confirm that they know what ear tipping is and areas where the colonies are well managed.  They should also communicate with you areas that they believe need support for the animals and work together to try and find a better solution vs rounding them up(especially in the summer).  Let us know how this resolves.  

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Stacy LeBaron
Head Cat
The Community Cats Podcast
Warren VT
978-239-2090
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Hi, Cheryl, the ONLY thing that the Memphis Shelter does right is support the TNR program. I'm adding a link to their site where they mention pro-TNR groups. Maybe one can help. 

Note: our shelter Director is not available, so there's an interim one who might be able to speak with you. If you're interested, I'll try to get her name. The shelter is not forthcoming with information. 

https://memphisanimalservices.com/request-assistance/community-cats/

Cheers, 

Catherine 

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Catherine Pipe
Owner
We Foster Dogs Organization
Cordova TN
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