Bensalem has a a lot to offer its residents: from well maintained parks,streets and side walks to a great police force and involved officials. But behind the smiles and well manicured landscapes lurks hundreds of starving stray cats. People are becoming numb to the situation but it is real and these animals need a voice. While there are many cats who have been around for years, breeding, fighting, and causing a bit of a nuisance in the area, there are more and more animals who are domesticated and have been thrown on the streets for one reason or another. These animals face insurmountable issues. They aren't use to the elements and aren't able to hunt for food or find water. They aren't even street smart enough to avoid moving vehicles. That is why we think it's so important animals are microchipped. These are the animals people call animal control on. Scared hungry cats who have been left to fend for themselves. They are easily trapped and taken to a shelter where it is common practice to only hold them for 0-10 days before ultimately killing them. All at the expense of the tax payers. Rescue groups in the area have been joining together to help maintain the stray population with humane practices such as Trap Neuter Release- But their efforts are being thwarted with these constant new cases of dumped animals. How can we stop the dumping you want to know!?Microchipping. Microchipping is perfect for reuniting animals with their owners but they can also keep people accountable for their pets. When neglected, dumped or hurt animals are found animal control can easily scan the animals and find out the owners information. This will benefit the township in several ways. Not only will they no longer foot the bill for negligent pet owners or take up space at shelters that could save another animals life, the township could generate money from citations given to offenders. While it has been proven that Microchipping is the best practice for all animals we have to start small. We want to urge anyone who participates in the TNR movement to go the extra mile to microchip the feral cats so that they can be maintained. Statistically, most of the animals being pulled out of Bensalem are located in or near apartment complexes. While we can't assume that it is those people who are dumping the animals it is an excellent place to start. Landlord and housing management would require proof of microchip before signing the lease much like they do for registered dogs. This microchip law or ordinance could significantly reduce the population of abandoned animals. Lessening the burden on the township and saving lives of innocent animals.