A Petition asking Dona Ana County to Amend Ordinance 328-2022, and put an end to the unnecessary killing of free-roaming cats.

On October 25, 2022, Dona Ana County adopted a new animal ordinance that prohibits the return of "feral cats” within 2 miles of the Rio Grande.

TNR (trap-neuter-return) is recognized throughout the country and the world as the most humane and effective means of population management, reducing reproduction and resulting in declining population through attrition over time.

While the ordinance does not state those cats that are impacted by the return restriction be euthanized by the ASCMV, it is a well-known scientific fact that to relocate a trapped cat that far from its established territory is inhumane and leads to suffering and death. Therefore, any “feral” cat that it picked up by County Animal Control and brought to the ASCMV is and will continue to be euthanized.

The task of ascertaining whether a trapped cat brought into the ASCMV is feral or not clearcut. ASPCAPro states a 3-day, 4 observation schedule and protocol are necessary to determine whether or not a cat brought into a shelter environment is feral or merely exhibiting the fear-factor.

Unfortunately, the ASCMV does not have the space or staff to complete this type of assessment. As a result, owned cats, and those under the care of a community cat caregiver are euthanized because they are prohibited from being returned where they were trapped.

The County’s stated purpose in enacting this restriction is to gain control of the overpopulation of free-roaming cats; address resident complaints and protect wildlife along the river. � Euthanasia does not gain control of reproduction and overpopulation, alleviate resident complaints or protect wildlife. The removal/euthanasia of cats results in a vacuum effect and other cats will move into the area. They are there because there is food and shelter.

There are well-documented studies of TNR in environmentally sensitive areas where the desired results are obtained through targeted, aggressive TNR.

We ask the County to amend the ordinance and remove the ineffective release restriction as soon as possible; then review these studies of TNR in environmentally sensitive areas and move to implement their proven strategies.