Title
A Resolution supporting Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage programs for feral cat population management and authorizing the execution of corporate grant requests to finance Trap-Neuter Return-Manage projects.
Commissioner Pat Keon
Body
Commissioner Patricia Keon requested that staff research solutions to address Coral Gables' feral cat overpopulation. South Florida's warm and humid climate combined with a feral cats' ability to survive weeks without food and reproduce regardless of food availability has created a population crisis throughout South Florida. The attached details the following: In 2012, Miami Dade County Animal Services adopted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the official feral cat population control method. TNR is a humane and effective approach for stray and feral cat population control, which prevents future breeding. Feeding bans and other similar population control methods have proved ineffective due to the feral cats' territorial behavior and ability to quickly reproduce. The TNR program available through Miami-Dade County is free of charge to all Miami-Dade County residents. The program, however, asks members of the community to trap wild cats in cages, which have either been personally bought or have been provided by the County. The animals can then be brought in for free neutering or spaying surgeries and vaccinations.
The concern with Miami-Dade Animal Services' program is it 1) requires the residents to trap the cats and 2) the program does not to address the education component necessary to inform residents. The City can address the feral cat population by obtaining a grant from an organization like Petsmart, which provides funding to hire organizations that will implement a TNR program. The grant will allow the City to fund an organization like The Cat Network, a non-profit organization that works with the County to educate the public about the need to sterilize pets and strays. The grant funds will be used to implement the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage program with the use of the Cat Network Mobile Clinic. Spay, Neuter and Vaccination services will not only be available free of charge, but the Mobile unit will also travel to the colony site in order to trap these animals. The grant requested will support Miami-Dade County Animal Services' commitment to become a no-kill community, while working towards a unified goal to humanely reduce the number of feral cats in South Florida through Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage programs.