In the Jan. 1, 2015 issue of Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) a group of thirteen veterinarians from around the country called on the AVMA to update their outdated 2004 policy on community cats and issue a new science-based policy centered around Trap-Neuter-Return.

In the letter the veterinarians highlight the extensive research supporting Trap-Neuter-Return policies, including studies that show community cats are just as healthy as pet cats, as well as evidence of programs, in a variety of settings, where Trap-Neuter-Return has reduced the population of community cats over time. The veterinary community plays a unique and critical role in improving the lives of stray and feral cats. Alley Cat Allies lauds veterinarians who speak up on behalf of good policies for all cats.

From the LTE:
“As AVMA members and veterinarians working with outdoor community cats and shelter medicine programs, we welcome the ongoing review of the AVMA policy “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats.” Importantly, we do not believe that the current policy accurately reflects emerging veterinary research about community cats and are concerned that it does not encourage the one approach proven to successfully address them: trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR). We are hopeful the policy review will result in more accurate and better guidance for veterinarians and will support TNVR as the default approach for dealing with outdoor community cats.”

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