LETTER: Unnecessary homelessness

To the editor:

 Feral and homeless cat populations need to be reduced out of concern for birds and other wildlife and out of a compassionate desire to reduce suffering.

Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is a method of reducing the number of feral cats by neutering breeding colonies. TNR is not always appropriate, for example, where endangered species need to be protected from cat predation, but TNR is proving effective in many situations including on university campuses.

On the USU campus TNR has reduced the numbers of cats near the Junction. The program was initiated in 2003-04 with the trapping and neutering of about 22 cats by the USU Pre-Vet Club.  From then until the present, the colony has been managed by volunteers organized by Aggie Cats. I’m told there are currently four cats in the Junction Colony.

Now, apparently USU plans to attempt to relocate those four Junction Colony cats. If this neutered colony is removed, cats that are not neutered are likely to become re-established in the area and feral cat numbers will again increase. In 2004, it was illegal to feed cats on USU’s campus, but this could not be enforced and the cat population was increasing. The conditions that led to a cat population problem in 2004 are still present near the Junction. The area remains attractive to cats, and people still feel compelled to feed cats in the absence of a managed program.

It is both expensive and risky to relocate feral colonies. Moving the Junction cats will be costly and puts them in danger. Also, the Junction cats have provided a rodent-control service around the Junction. If the Junction cats are creating problems, the problems need to be clearly identified and potential solutions – including but not limited to relocation – evaluated. To my knowledge, a basic decision-making process has not taken place.

The state of Utah has passed legislation encouraging TNR in appropriate situations. USU’s relocation of a successful TNR colony should not take place without an investigation and opportunity for alternative solutions to be proposed.

Eugene Washington