PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. Feb. 11, 2020 – Alley Cat Allies, the global engine of change for cats, will lead two public workshop discussions in late February about effective approaches for community cats in Pittsylvania County and throughout Virginia. The workshops come after the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors’ recent vote to implement Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, as the official policy for community cats in the county.
“Pittsylvania County has earned our praise by choosing to address its community cat population in a humane, effective way,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Our workshops will give local caregivers effective approaches we developed while establishing TNR programs throughout the country. They will be an outstanding experience not only for people who are already caring for cats and want some helpful pointers, but also for anyone who may want to get involved for the first time to help cats in their neighborhood. We want to lend our expertise to help this new policy get off to a smooth start.”
TNR is the process in which community cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, eartipped and returned to their outdoor homes. As sound public policy, it reduces shelter intake, “euthanasia” and calls to animal services, which saves taxpayer money. Scientific studies show that TNR ends the breeding cycle, meaning no new kittens are born outdoors. Arlington, Alexandria City, Lynchburg and Fairfax County are just a few of the communities in Virginia which are already conducting successful TNR programs.
The first Alley Cat Allies workshop is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 at the Reid Street Gallery, 24 Reid Street in Chatham, Virginia. The second workshop will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 29 at the Chatham Community Center, 115 S. Main St. Both workshops are at no cost. Seating is limited, so while registration is not required, it is recommended. People can sign up online at Alleycat.org/RSVP.
About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., is the global engine of change for cats. Alley Cat Allies is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of all cats through its innovative, cutting-edge programs. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has grown into a powerful force with over half a million supporters. The organization has helped and inspired countless individuals, communities and other organizations to save and improve the lives of cats and kittens worldwide. Alley Cat Allies works with lawmakers, animal shelters and advocates to change attitudes and advance lifesaving policies that best serve the interests of cats. Alley Cat Allies’ website is www.alleycat.org, and the organization is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.