NEWS UPDATE: Victory for Petaluma Cats!

[Maggie Funkhouser]

Previously, ACR called on supporters to help feral cats in Petaluma,
CA, and we can happily say that, thanks to all who signed petitions,
attended council meetings, and contacted council members, a compromise
has been reached and TNR will be permitted!

The debate has been in regards to where feral cats should and should
not be permitted. On one side of the fence are animal/cat advocates
and on the other are bird enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists.

On Monday, October 12th, the City Council approved a trap-neuter-
return program for the city of Petaluma, with stipulations that feral
cat colonies will not be permitted in city parks and the wetlands area
south of town and any approved feeding stations must have the
permission of the property owner.

The county shelter will work with nonprofit cat rescue groups, such as
Forgotten Felines, to manage the colonies, bringing newborn kittens in
for adoption and routinely sterilizing feral cats. After cats are seen
at the animal shelter, feral cats in good health can be taken back to
the colony site to live out their lives, according to the new
regulations.

“By managing the colony, you’re able to reduce its numbers through
attrition and proper care,” said Petaluma Police Lt. Mike Cook, in an
article from Petaluma360.com.

This new plan replaces a similar program enacted in 2004 that never
took off, advocates say, because colony caretakers were afraid the
shelter would euthanize any feral cats brought in for treatment or
sterilization. City Council and the Mayor expressed that they do not
wish to be “feral cat police,” but rather to find some common ground
between cat advocates and bird supporters. The plan asks cat
organizations to unite colony caretakers and to work with the county
instead of against each other.

ACR would like to acknowledge Jennifer Kirchner of Forgotten Felines
for her persistence and hard work in supporting feral cats and their
right to live…happy and healthy. Check out their website:
http://www.forgottenfelines.com. And again, thank you to all our
members who respond to our call to actions and give animals a voice.
Thank you!
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With the poor economy, non-profit organizations are being hit hard.
Why not give the gift of life this holiday season, by making a tax-
deductible donation to Alley Cat Rescue?

Looking to adopt? Stop by our adoption center at the Petsmart on
Cherry Hill Rd in Silver Spring, MD. There are plenty of kitties
waiting for their furever homes!