We, the people, are asking the City of Jacksonville to increase funding for EveryPet's community cat programs by an additional $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

As Jacksonville residents, volunteers, and animal advocates, we have seen firsthand how much need exists in our community. Community cats are found throughout our city, and many caring residents step in to feed them, monitor their health, and try to prevent more kittens from being born. Without adequate resources, however, the cycle continues.

The good news is that Jacksonville already has dedicated volunteers who are willing to be part of the solution. Every day, residents spend their own time and money trapping cats, transporting them to appointments, providing recovery care after surgery, and maintaining colonies in their neighborhoods. Many volunteers purchase food, carriers, traps, and medical supplies out of their own pockets because they care about their community and want to make a difference.

The problem is not a lack of people willing to help. The problem is that the need is greater than the resources available.

Programs such as Duval Cat Fix have demonstrated tremendous demand for affordable spay and neuter services. Funding is often exhausted long before the need disappears, leaving caretakers with few options and allowing more litters to be born.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is about more than preventing kittens. These programs also provide vaccinations that help protect animal and public health, treatment for common conditions such as parasites and mange, and an opportunity for injured or seriously ill cats to be evaluated and receive compassionate care. In some cases, it also means preventing prolonged suffering through humane euthanasia when recovery is not possible.

Investing in TNR is a practical and cost-effective approach. More spay and neuter surgeries today mean fewer unwanted litters tomorrow, healthier community cats, less pressure on shelters and rescue organizations, and lower costs for taxpayers over time.

Community cats are already part of Jacksonville. The question is whether we invest in solutions that reduce the problem and improve animal welfare, or continue reacting to the consequences year after year.

We respectfully ask Jacksonville City Council to support the residents already doing this work by increasing funding for EveryPet's community cat programs by $100,000 to $150,000 annually. This investment would help more cats receive spay / neuter services, vaccinations, and basic medical care while supporting the volunteers who are helping Jacksonville address this issue every day.

A relatively small investment today can make a meaningful difference for Jacksonville's neighborhoods, shelters, residents, and animals for years to come.

Please sign and share this petition if you believe Jacksonville should continue investing in humane, effective solutions for community cats.