I'm a local volunteer and cat rescuer based in Newark, NJ. I support trap-neuter-return of community cats as the most humane means of controlling the unwanted outdoor cat population. I also work with local nonprofit cat rescues and shelters to help find homes for cats and kittens whenever possible. 

Numerous cats across our communities are being rehomed or left on the streets at an unprecedented rate. Shelters are overrun with kittens brought in by well-meaning individuals, while mother cats are left outside to breed uncontrollably.  An estimated 1.4 million cats and kittens are euthanized in shelters every year. Young kittens are especially vulnerable. The reasons behind this crisis vary, and arguably one of the largest contributors is the current economic climate paired with a devastating housing shortfall. Landlords are seeking to capitalize on these circumstances by evicting tenants to flip the properties for higher rent. These dislocated tenants are then forced into cheaper accommodations that are not always pet-friendly or demand exorbitant pet deposit fees which they cannot bear. This grim reality, further exacerbated by an ongoing vet shortage, leaves pets in dire straits. The facts are clear: We cannot rescue and adopt our way out of this crisis. High quality, low cost spay neuter is the only way forward.

The NJ S261 "Compassion for Community Cats Law" seeks to address these challenges, offering robust protections and support for community cats and the people who care for them. The law would establish a fund for spaying and neutering stray and feral cats. By passing this law, we can make a positive impact, not just on the lives of the cats themselves, but also for those who care for our community cats. Let’s unite to urge our representatives to pass NJ S261. This is not only a matter of animal welfare but also a reflection of our commitment to compassion and community support in the face of adversity. Stand up for our feline friends and the people who love them. Sign this petition to advocate for the passage of NJ S261 "Compassion for Community Cats Law".