Animal shelters in North Carolina could soon have the ability to save cats’ lives through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
The state’s House Committee on Health is considering House Bill 808, which amends current state law to allow new disposition, or outcome, options for cats impounded in animal shelters. One of those options is Return-to-Field (RTF), a form of TNR in which community cats are taken from the shelter, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped, then returned to their outdoor homes.
Alley Cat Allies has sent a letter of support to the House Committee on Health and is rallying advocates and citizens in North Carolina to speak out for this crucial bill.
Community cats are not socialized to people and are therefore unadoptable. If they are brought to an animal shelter, they will be killed virtually 100 percent of the time. Even socialized cats are at risk if a shelter does not have humane programs and policies in place to protect them. Under HB 808, shelters throughout North Carolina will have more options to ensure cats live full, healthy lives indoors or outdoors.
Alongside the new option to return community cats outdoors through RTF, HB 808 also adds an option to transfer animals another animal shelter. So, if one shelter does not have the space or resources to care for a cat, the cat can be moved to a shelter that does.
Under HB 808, shelter staff can provide community cats with vital TNR services and ensure adoptable cats go to shelters with the means to find them loving homes. It is a win-win measure that will save countless cats’ lives.
If you live in North Carolina, please contact your House Committee today in support of HB 808.