Alley Cat Allies created National Feral Cat Day to promote humane care for feral cats. Their efforts to share information and educate others on the importance of Trap-Neuter-Return have been supported year after year by caring individuals and groups.
“Since Alley Cat Allies started National Feral Cat Day 12 years ago, we have celebrated the increasing number of communities that have adopted humane and effective programs for cats,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. “We are encouraged by the success we have witnessed and thank our supporters as we continue to grow this movement nationwide.”
Robinson noted that National Feral Cat Day is not just a single day, but an opportunity for supporters to rally for longer-term change with programs that make a difference in the lives of cats and best address their communities’ needs: starting a TNR program; holding ongoing educational workshops; expanding low-cost spay/neuter clinics for feral cats and pet cats; or encouraging policymakers to adopt common-sense initiatives that protect and improve the lives of cats.
Alley Cat Allies will mark this year’s National Feral Cat Day with a special webinar on Trap-Neuter-Return basics. Alley Cat Allies will also offer discounted pricing on humane traps to help supporters expand TNR programs. For more information, including a full listing of events and other resources, visit www.alleycat.org/NFCD .
Alley Cat Allies launched National Feral Cat Day in 2001 to raise awareness about stray and feral cats, promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and recognize the millions of compassionate citizens who care for cats. Since then, more than 250 local nonprofit organizations have been formed to educate their communities about feral cat colonies and carry out TNR programs.
This program deserves all the attention it can get. I think most every community has this problem and I'm not sure how many are using those "common sense initiatives."
ReplyDeleteI'm proud that my community (Sacramento, CA) has taken huge steps forward to help feral cats. We have a great volunteer base under the direction of the Coalition For Community Cats and the Sacramento Area Animal Coalition that includes the hands-on involvement of all three local shelters to spay, neuter and vaccinate stray/feral cats and either return them to their areas or relocate them as barn cats. Of course "it takes a village" and we're always looking for barn homes and more volunteers, but we've started to make a difference. I encourage all animal people to get involved, or at least help spread the word about the success of TNR.
DeleteSuch a vital cause that really affects us all, whether we admit it or not. The issue of feral cats is so mind boggling to me, it especially niggles that most governments aren't willing to lift a finger. Thanks for spreading the word. It's time we woke up to reality.
ReplyDeleteYay, for Alley Cat Allies and all the many small neighborhood TNR groups. I'll be featuring one tomorrow at Cat Wisdom 101 with a Q & A and the most amazing photos of feral cats I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important event, thank heaven for Alley Cat Allies and all the work they do! There is much we can do on behalf of ferals, and many communities could use a healthy dose of information about it as well.
ReplyDeleteHappy National Feral Cat Day, from one feline lover to another! :)
Thanks for highlighting this... a great topic for today!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a proactive track to ensure not just that people become aware, but they become educated on how to help hands-on too. Terrific post, Vicki!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for Blogging the Change!
Kim Clune
Director: http://BetheChangeforAnimals.com
Blogger: http://thisonewildlife.com
I should have known this earlier
ReplyDelete