Woodbridge Township is home to a growing population of community (feral and stray) cats. Without an effective, humane solution, the population will continue to grow—leading to more kittens born outdoors, increased strain on our animal control system, and higher costs for taxpayers.

A humane Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) program is a compassionate and effective approach to managing and reducing the feral cat population. This program involves humanely trapping feral cats, neutering them to prevent future litters, and then returning them to their territory. TNR programs have been successfully implemented in numerous communities across the country, reducing the number of cats euthanized in shelters and improving the quality of life for both the cats and the community residents.

According to evidence from the ASPCA, TNR programs are a sustainable and non-lethal way to control cat populations. Statistics show that TNR can reduce feral cat numbers by as much as 66% over time while creating a stable, healthy population of neutered cats.

Furthermore, TNR programs can decrease the number of cats entering local animal shelters, leading to lower costs for taxpayers. Communities with TNR programs often see reductions in cat-related complaints, and local governments save money by avoiding the expense of trapping and euthanizing cats. Over time, a TNR program in Woodbridge Township could lead to a significant decrease in the use of taxpayer funds for animal control services.

Dozens of New Jersey municipalities—including Livingston, Teaneck, Pennsauken, and Atlantic City—have implemented township-run TNR programs with remarkable success.

We, the undersigned residents and supporters, urge Woodbridge Township to:

• Adopt a formal TNR ordinance recognizing community cats and setting humane management guidelines
• Partner with local rescues, veterinary clinics, and volunteers to provide low-cost or grant-funded sterilization and vaccination
• Support and train registered colony caretakers for ongoing monitoring and trapping of new cats

By implementing TNR, Woodbridge can:

• Humanely control the community cat population
• Save taxpayer dollars through reduced shelter intake
• Promote public health and safety
• Strengthen our township’s reputation as a compassionate, forward-thinking community

We respectfully request that the Mayor and Township Council take action now to establish a township-supported TNR program in Woodbridge.