Community Cats live in a colony as part of a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return (TNVR) initiative. TNVR is a humane and effective solution to save feral or community cats, keep the cat population under control, and decrease the spread of deadly cat diseases.  Cats are humanely trapped, neutered by a veterinarian, vaccinated against diseases such as rabies, and released where they were found. They are then monitored and cared for by a Cat Caregiver (me) who ensures the cats receive adequate food, water and shelter. Their ears are tipped so animal control recognizes them. 

The City of Raeford Animal Control Officer tore up my cat shelters (which are in a wooded, remote area) and overturned my feeding stations, leaving me his calling cards with the message "STOP FEEDING CATS."  According to the ASPCA, “Feeding bans are difficult to enforce and are ineffective at decreasing cat populations. For those cats who have become dependent on food provided by a caregiver, a feeding ban can be inhumane, as it often forces cats to subsist on insufficient resources.” Removing food from the colony now would be cruel and would result in their starving and suffering, especially in the winter months. Animal Control would prefer to catch and kill the sweet cats I have invested much time and money saving. They look for me everyday and need the food I provide.

If there are issues with the placement of the feeding stations, they can be moved to a more remote location, but not feeding them at all would be inhumane. Insofar as damage to property goes, cats who are spayed and neutered and well-fed are much less likely to damage property or be a nuisance.

Please support the community cats by signing this petition and urging Raeford and Hoke County Leadership to support the TNVR Community Cats. Thank you!