The Trap-Neuter-Return program (TNR) began in the United Kingdom in the 1950’s before eventually making its way to the United States. The idea of the TNR program is to humanely capture cats that are feral, free-roaming or stray and take them to a shelter or veterinarian’s office in order to be spayed or neutered. The cats will then be returned to the area where they were first captured.
Approximately in 1970 is when the program was brought to the United States, beginning first in New Jersey. The TNR program is a humane alternative to take care of the feral cat problem, as opposed to having the animals euthanized when they are brought into a local shelter. The TNR program has greatly reduced the need to euthanize cats.
According to their Wikipedia page, TNR is endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as “the most humane, effective and financially sustainable strategy for controlling free-roaming cat populations,” and “the only proven humane and effective method to manage feral cat colonies.”
The trap-neuter-return program is thankfully available in Carbon County. To become a part of the TNR program locally, you can go into a local shelter and fill out an application for vouchers. The animal hospital on Airport Road and Carbon Animal Health both participate in the program. Once you file for vouchers and have received them, you can bring a cat in to be spayed or neutered. The animal hospital on Airport Road also provides cages if needed.
The phone number to reach the animal hospital is (435) 637-5797. Carbon Animal Health can be reached at (435) 637-8387.