Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi! How does everyone work with indivudals who are opposed to TNR in there county?? We have several individuals who do not like the sound of the cats being returned back whrere they came from--how do you all work with people like this?? Who have a hard time undersatdning TNR.

Thanks!

#CommunityCatManagement

Have you ever discussed the vacuum effect of removing cats from where they lived outside?

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I have never heard of the vacuum effect--could you explain it to me?

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https://www.alleycat.org/resources/the-vacuum-effect-why-catch-and-kill-doesnt-work/

 

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What is the vacuum effect?

#CommunityCatManagement

One question I have used that does seem to get them to understand why the cats are coming back is this:   What would you have me do with the cats?  And then logically and honestly answer each of their suggestions.  I also always tell them that we can pull any kittens or friendly cats to try to find those homes.  Also I would include the vacuum effect but also point out that where the cats may seem to be more of a nuisance NOW prior to tnr, it is my hope that a lot of that behavior will lessen after s/n.  I always try to listen to the person, and to be as empathetic as i can and then point out how I can HELP THEM to get a better result started.

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I also will challenge a caretaker to find a TNR cat an alternative placement. Our organization tells the people we help that we do Trap Neuter RETURN..... Any relocation can be done by the caretaker after surgery, and they can reach out and find those placements.

If it's an over crowded situation, we will look for barn/TNR placement for those cats, but only when it is absolutely necessary.

Great to see TNR participants coming together! 

Kristen

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Kristen Thompson
Director
Fierce Animal Rescue
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-06-2018 07:07 PM
From: vfarretta _
Subject: TNR

One question I have used that does seem to get them to understand why the cats are coming back is this:   What would you have me do with the cats?  And then logically and honestly answer each of their suggestions.  I also always tell them that we can pull any kittens or friendly cats to try to find those homes.  Also I would include the vacuum effect but also point out that where the cats may seem to be more of a nuisance NOW prior to tnr, it is my hope that a lot of that behavior will lessen after s/n.  I always try to listen to the person, and to be as empathetic as i can and then point out how I can HELP THEM to get a better result started.

#CommunityCatManagement

we have a volunteer, she runs the whole TNR program through our grants, if they are unwilling to be returned she houses them at her house till she finds barn/working cats, sometimes she is overwelmed but for the better part , it works out,

Our SNR program , we just don't tell people when they bring strays in, if they are healthy we get them fixed and a volunteer returns them to the general area. if they are willing to feed them and get them fixed, we authorize the surgery with a vet, and they schedule the appointment and get said animal fixed, keeps them out of the shelter, over the years only a few never got fixed.

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Offer deterrent suggestions, you may even have to provide (loan) the deterrent like motion-activated water sprinklers or ultrasonic devices. You may even have to send a volunteer to install the deterrents, depending on how strong the individual feels about the cats returning. Sometimes you have to lead by example and prove that people can co-exist with community cats. 

#CommunityCatManagement

I like to bring up that the cats are there because of a food source that is intentional or not. If a neighbor if feeding, TNR is the best way to prevent more cats from moving into the area (neighbor is not likely to stop feeding). Health of the colony greatly improves with TNR and they are vaccinated against rabies. Its a great way to get to know your neighbors and work together as a community. No more sick/injured kittens with TNR. No more cat fighting in the middle of the night. This is their home, you wouldn't want someone to up and relocate you in the middle of the night or stick you in a cell. the list goes on and on, tailor the conversation to the situation. I find that 99% of the time folks will move forward with TNR, I will also ask how long the cats have been there. If they are aware of what most animal control facilities are forced to do and will end up having to do after they cat has gone through a stray hold. In my area it varies but the average is 7-10 days. Explaining that most folks who go to a shelter to adopt are looking for people friendly kitties not kitties that want nothing to do with people on the whole. I find that sticking by my guns that TNR is the best approach folks will go along with TNR. If they think there is an inkling of another opportunity they will take it but then you have to deal with the vacuum effect....... sorry for the soap box word soup.......

#CommunityCatManagement

I see no one has a very active thread here for us TNR folks, unless someone is aware of a more updated or recent thread, lemme know!

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Nicole Wallick
President
Kosciusko Community TNR, inc
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-06-2018 01:04 PM
From: Katherine Conder
Subject: TNR

Hi! How does everyone work with indivudals who are opposed to TNR in there county?? We have several individuals who do not like the sound of the cats being returned back whrere they came from--how do you all work with people like this?? Who have a hard time undersatdning TNR.

Thanks!

#CommunityCatManagement