This feature comes from our Spring 2015 Alley Cat Action newsletter. Receive a print version, delivered to your home on a quarterly basis, when you donate $20 or more.
TNR at Bayside State Prison, New Jersey
June and Folsom, born at Bayside State Prison, were socialized and adopted.
A reinvigorated TNR program has returned to Bayside State Prison! Following news that the prison has instituted a feeding ban, we are thrilled that after weeks of constructive discussions with prison officials, we reached an agreement that ensured the cats would receive the care and food they need, prison operations wouldn’t be disturbed, the needs of inmates and staff would be met, and the cat population would not expand. We have developed a wonderful working relationship with the prison officials. So far, we have helped 97 cats on prison grounds. We’ll continue to support the prison’s TNR program, and ensure that all cats receive the care they need.
TNR Ordinance in Gainesville, Texas
When news broke that a 76-year-old man was jailed for not paying tickets related to
feeding community cats, Alley Cat Allies forged a relationship with Gainesville officials to create a TNR program and support creating local policies to match Gainesville’s values. The Gainesville City Council has since approved a Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance by a vote of 6-1. This TNR ordinance is a fantastic step forward for the city of Gainesville and its community cats. Alley Cat Allies will provide spay and neuter funding and expertise to help launch the new program. Alley Cat Allies is committed to working with local groups and the city of Gainesville to make the TNR program a success.
Big Legislative Wins, Virginia
This year’s legislative session in Virginia was important for cats, and Alley Cat Allies worked closely with elected officials and our supporters to create good policy for cats. Virginia took a huge step forward for animals when the House of Delegates approved the Promote Adoptions Bill, SB 1381, in a landslide vote. This bill assures that all private animal shelters will be operated for the purpose of adoption, closing a loophole that had been allowing shelters to kill cats without even trying to find homes for them. We are also pleased to report that the Cat Impoundment Bill, HB 1565, failed. The bill would have encouraged the impoundment of any cat outdoors. Alley Cat Allies will continue to engage in public policy to promote the well-being of cats.
Workshop in Orange County, California
Jade, a beautiful cat we met in Orange County.
Hannah Shaw, Alley Cat Allies’ Associate Director of Campaigns, travels across the
country to visit shelters, rally local advocates, and offer expert advice on community change. Our 25 years of advocacy have shown that the most effective way to change a community is to help the community change itself, and by partnering with local groups and supporting local advocates, Alley Cat Allies is sparking change in communities across the nation. Hannah hosted a How to Help Community Cats Workshop with local group the Anaheim Fix Project, where she gave over 60 people a crash course in Trap-Neuter-Return and cat advocacy. Orange County has a robust TNR program, and we are hopeful that with strong community support for TNR, the county’s largest city, Anaheim, will amend a city ordinance that inhibits TNR programs.