BELLEVILLE, NJ—The Township of Belleville has initiated a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program aimed at effectively managing the local feral cat populations. This program represents a humane strategy to control community cats while fostering better relationships between these animals and residents.
The TNR process involves three key steps: trapping, neutering or spaying, and returning the cats. Community cats are first humanely trapped and then taken to a veterinary clinic where they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped. Eartipping serves as a universal indicator that a cat has undergone the TNR process.
Once the medical procedures are completed, the cats are returned to their outdoor homes. This method not only prevents the birth of new kittens, thereby controlling the population, but also stabilizes existing colonies. Residents who come across stray cats are encouraged to contact Debbie Nardone at 201-306-0808 for assistance. The TNR program promises to enhance coexistence between community cats and the residents of Belleville.