Update on Virginia TNR Bill

Legislation that supports TNR helps cat advocates save lives.

Update!

Virginia’s Senate Bill 359, which passed the senate, failed to make it out of committee in the House of Delegates. This bill would have formally allowed groups to practice TNR—trapping, vaccinating, sterilizing, and then returning feral cats to established colonies. Without this legislation, those who practice TNR could be charged with abandonment upon releasing the cats. Virginia residents should urge their delegates to reintroduce this legislation in the next session.

Read our initial post on this issue.

Keep TNR Legal and Easy in Virginia

This young feral cat is being released after surgery. The cut ear tip shows that the cat is sterilized.

Responsible caretakers of feral colonies in Virginia need protection in the form of SB 359, which would continue to allow formal trap, neuter, return (TNR) programs. Without this protection, those who pay for the sterilization of feral cats could become the legal owners and be required to maintain feral colonies in the same way as domestic companion cats. This is next to impossible with skittish feral cats and also prohibitively expensive. TNR benefits both the cats and the community as spayed and neutered cats do not reproduce and there is a reduction in unwanted behaviors such as spraying, noisemaking, and roaming. The trapped cats also receive rabies and distemper vaccines, helping to stop the spread of these harmful diseases. Without the protection SB 359 offers, these programs are in jeopardy.

Virginia residents, write your legislators and urge them to pass this bill, which is good for cats and constituents. Residents of other states should check their own TNR regulations to ensure that sterilizing feral cats does not create ownership of the animal.

Fewer Unwanted Puppies in West Virginia

Paws Up!
To the Mercy County Commission for approving a new spay-neuter ordinance.

According to a news story, “…the ordinance would require pet owners to alter any cat or dog more than 6 months old unless they pay a $50 fee….” The ordinance also establishes an annual fee for breeding animals and requires all animals to be at least seven weeks old with proper vaccinations prior to sale.

Sterilization programs will slowly reduce the amount of animal suffering in the area by reducing the number of unwanted animals who die in shelters or on the streets. These progressive measures also save the county money while setting an example to neighboring communities.

The fees and regulations put on breeders in the county will help curb unscrupulous individuals who breed and sell unhealthy animals at the cost to both consumers and animals while earning money to help care for the homeless animals waiting in shelters.

Take Action: Write a letter to the Mercer County commissioners applauding their efforts to reduce pet overpopulation in their area and to continue the good work. Also, look into the regulations in your area. If your location does not have a spay-neuter ordinance, write to the local commission.

Also, do your part to end overpopulation and ensure that the animals around you are spayed or neutered.

Commissioner Joe Coburn
Commissioner Jay Mills
Commissioner Karen S. Disibbio
Mercer County Commission
1501 West Main Street, Suite 210
Princeton, WV 24740
Tele.: 304-487-8308
Fax: 304-487-8370
Email: mercercocommission@frontier.net

Source:
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
WVVA.com