I am a long-time community member of Heath road in Jefferson, PA, where I spent my childhood. Our street is home to not only us but also a colony of community cats.

These cats were not brought here by any current resident of Heath Rd; in fact, most have been found and originated from the more rural properties on the street. Dumped by negligent owners, left to reproduce. 

A grassroots TNR initiative has been active for about 3 months to spay/ neuter, vaccinate and reduce the population of this colony in a humane and scientifically proven method that is currently in practice in almost every city in the country.  

Recently, these cats have fallen victim to harassment and inhumane treatment. This situation calls for immediate attention. 

In the United States of America, there are as many as 70 million stray cats, almost all of whom are a direct result of the lack of a TNR program such as our own(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

These individuals have been generously cared for by local residents over the years but lately, they have been subject to maltreatment and bullying. Such actions not only undermine the wellbeing of these animals but indeed, impinges upon our shared obligation to treat all creatures with dignity and care.

This injustice for community cats demands our collective action so that we may continue to reduce the size of the population. Let's band together as active and mindful citizens, and neighbors of Jefferson, PA to defend those who can't speak for themselves. We must set a precedent that harassment and bullying will not be tolerated.

There is perhaps a misunderstanding that someone else is coming to assist the issue. Let’s be clear, this IS the solution and IS the only solution. It is illegal to harm them and our work is the only avenue to a legal, successful solution. 

Please sign this petition to show you oppose such behavior and agree that the local effort of trap neuter return (TNR) should continue. As we make efforts to vaccinate, spay/ neuter, and adopt out each friendly while allowing feral individuals to live out the remainder of their lives in peace. 

*please visit Ally Cat Allies if you require more information on TNR, national support, and overarching Pittsburgh TNR network opportunities