Senator Troy Singleton
New Jersey Senate, District 7
Assemblywoman Carol Murphy
New Jersey General Assembly, District 7
Dear Senator Singleton and Assemblywoman Murphy,

I am writing to ask for your support of legislation and funding that would establish a free Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program available to all Burlington County residents, regardless of income. Given your sponsorship of animal welfare measures such as the animal abuser registry, declawing restrictions, and "Moose's Law" (A3709), I hope you will consider expanding your leadership on animal welfare by supporting universal access to TNR services. [southjersey.media], [courierpos...online.com], [troysingleton.com]
Burlington County's shelters, rescues, and foster networks are overwhelmed by the continued influx of homeless cats and kittens. Every breeding season brings thousands of additional animals into a system that is already stretched beyond capacity. Rescue groups are forced to turn animals away, shelters face overcrowding, and dedicated volunteers struggle to keep up. The most effective and humane solution is prevention through widespread spay and neuter services.
Philadelphia has demonstrated that broad access to TNR can help reduce community cat populations and shelter intake. Limiting assistance only to certain income groups leaves many caretakers unable to afford sterilization, allowing colonies to continue growing and placing additional strain on shelters and municipalities.
This is not only an animal welfare issue but also a public health concern. In June 2025, a stray kitten housed at the Burlington County Animal Shelter tested positive for rabies, resulting in an exposure investigation and rabies booster vaccinations for shelter employees. County officials also reported rabies cases in several Burlington County communities. [pub.njleg.gov], [pub.njleg....tate.nj.us], [vulcanbills.com]
According to New Jersey Department of Health rabies surveillance data, Burlington County has recorded 28 rabid cats since statewide tracking began in 1989, placing cats among the most significant domestic animal rabies concerns in the county. The same report notes that cats account for the overwhelming majority of domestic animal rabies cases statewide. [njleg.state.nj.us]
Free, countywide TNR services would:
Reduce shelter overcrowding.
Decrease the number of unwanted kittens born each year.
Lower costs associated with animal control and sheltering.
Improve public health outcomes.
Support the rescues and volunteers already performing this work.
Prevent suffering before it starts.
I respectfully ask that you support legislation, state appropriations, county funding, or grant opportunities that would make TNR services free and accessible to every Burlington County resident caring for community cats.
I would appreciate a written response regarding your position on expanding TNR access in Burlington County and any steps you may be willing to take to advance this goal.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to animal welfare.
Sincerely,