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The TNR movement in the USA

There has been an active, well funded and well organised TNR movement in the USA for some time, principally guided by “Alley Cat Allies”. The document linked here provides guidelines to veterinarians involved in US TNR programmes. While it may provide guidance, Australian veterinarians should thoroughly investigate all aspects of TNR at their local level before undertaking to assist on a paid or voluntary basis. Issues to be considered include:

·         Local un-owned cat population

·         Threatened or at risk native species

·         Impact of cat nuisance behaviours

·         Consultation and coordination with local animal management officers (local government) and animal welfare organisations (RSPCA, AWL, CPS etc)

·         Animal welfare and animal management legislation, especially as it relates to

Identification requirements

How long animals must be held before they a deemed “un-owned”

The release of animals

·         Management of stress and risk mitigation for the cats

·         OHS issues for volunteers and staff (including consideration of emotional stress and compassion fatigue)

·         Provision of long term observation and care of the colony, including the resources to continue to trap “new arrivals”

·         Formation of a strict protocol to determine which cats are trapped, adopted, desexed, vaccinated and released, or euthanased, including guidelines on age and behaviour for kitten adoption vs. Euthanasia. Everyone must agree to abide by the protocol.