FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. Dec. 19, 2018 Alley Cat Allies has honored Fairfax County, Virginia, for marking 10 successful years with its Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats. The organization has presented the Fairfax County Animal Shelter with The Oliver, its prestigious award that honors those who show dedication and thereby champion excellence in all facets of life-saving work for cats.
“I am so thrilled to see the county achieve this incredible milestone,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Fairfax County and the community have worked together, which is a testament to their compassion and commitment. They serve as a shining example of the benefits a community can realize by embracing TNR.”
Robinson went on to praise Fairfax County for helping nearly 8,000 cats through its TNR program in the last decade. She also expressed hope that more communities will emulate Fairfax County’s program so they too can benefit.
“Our TNR program has been successful in weaving our shelter’s resources and the selfless dedication of our volunteers into a seamless operation that benefits our community cats,” said Gina Lynch, chairwoman of Fairfax County Shelter Advisory Commission.
Alley Cat Allies helped Fairfax County create its TNR program 10 years ago with the vision of having a more humane and effective policy for its community cats.
TNR is the process in which outdoor cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, eartipped (the universal sign that indicates a cat has been through TNR), and returned to their outdoor homes. As Fairfax County can attest, TNR is sound public policy because it reduces shelter intake, “euthanasia,” and calls to animal services, all of which saves taxpayer dollars. TNR curbs the cycle of new kitten litters and stabilizes the population of community cats, improves their lives, and improves their relationships with people who live near them.
About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., is the global engine of change for cats. We protect and improve cats’ lives through our innovative, cutting-edge programs. We are seen around the world as a champion for the humane treatment of all cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than a half-million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens worldwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org, and Alley Cat Allies is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.