TNR Program Having Positive Impact on QAC Animal Shelter and the Community
Since introducing the Trap Neuter and Release Program (TNR) in Queen Anne’s County there has been a positive impact on our shelter and the community.
“There has been a 20 percent decrease in the cat population at the shelter over the last several months,” reports Kelly Hamilton, Chief of Animal Services. “Without this ordinance feral cats would be waiting in a shelter stressed and anxious while awaiting surgery and then held before they were adopted out as barn cats.”
The TNR program which was launched in late April 2022 is the most humane and effective method of dealing with unwanted litters and reducing the number of strays. Each cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated and ear tipped so they can be easily identified as part of the program. After the surgery they are returned to their original community.
“Since its inception 80 surgeries have been performed. Although we don’t have an exact number of stray cats in Queen Anne’s County there has been a noticeable reduction of the feral cat population which will also result in a reduction of FELV/FIV and Rabies.” said Hamilton
This program is offered free of charge. If you are interested in participating in this program, you can contact Queen Anne’s County Animal Services. Surgeries are performed every Thursday by appointment only and space is limited. In addition to the TNR program Animal Services continues to take kittens four months and older into the shelter and place them up for adoption. Cats must be brought in for surgery in a trap or carrier. If you need a trap QAC Animal Services rents them for $25.00.
For more information, call QAC Animal Services at 410-827-7178, follow them on social media @QACAnimalServices or visit qac.org and search “Animal Services”.