An Update on Protecting Cats in Hardin, Montana
Because of our voices together, killing community cats with CO2 gas is off the table in the City of Hardin! However, officials continue to discuss unsustainable and ineffective measures against community cats.
Even after Alley Cat Allies sent information about Trap-Neuter-Return (#TNR) as the only humane and effective approach, and as local advocates presented a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) plan for the city, council members insist they do not want cats returned to the community. Instead, the Mayor discussed a “man from Wyoming” who would come to trap community cats and release them in out-of-city locations.
Also discussed was releasing cats to “find a wilderness-type situation,” which would be abandonment.
This relocation of community cats is not only ineffective as a city policy, but it can also be dangerous. Even when done with proper protocol, which involves weeks of careful work and constant care afterwards, relocation often fails. Cats are bonded to their outdoor homes and will attempt to return if taken from them. In some cases, cats die in the process.
Relocation of cats is not sensible or a solution and can be deadly. Abandoning cats is cruel and illegal in Montana. The City’s discussion on the matter is concerning and displays a lack of knowledge that will put cats in danger. Alley Cat Allies will continue to fight for the humane, effective approach for community cats in Hardin. That approach is TNR.
See the details on the initial, disturbing situation in Hardin:
Our Fight for Alpena, Michigan, Community Cats Continues
After Alley Cat Allies sent an informative letter and rallied advocates to speak out, a proposed feeding ban against community cats was REMOVED from a proposed ordinance in the City of Alpena, Michigan. However, the ordinance still passed with elements that are dangerous and harmful to community cats and their caregivers.
Now, the ordinance includes language that prohibits the placement of outdoor shelters for community cats. This is highly concerning and cruel to the cats and is not sensible or sustainable by any measure.
Alley Cat Allies will continue to work with the city and local advocates to amend the ordinance in a manner that truly protects cats, TNR, and caregivers. Thank you to all who took action with us in defense of community cats in Alpena. We’re continuing this fight, and we’ll keep you updated on how you can help.
We’re Fighting to Change Laws for Cats
When communities consider dangerous and even deadly laws and policies against cats, Alley Cat Allies takes action to stop them. The only future is in humane and effective approaches with TNR at their center.
See our latest letters to officials and lawmakers here.