Brookhaven Town Supervisor and Town Council Members

From: Concerned Residents of Brookhaven and Animal Rescue

Subject: Request for Increased Support, Funding, and Facilities for Stray and Feral Cat Programs

Dear Town of Brookhaven Officials,

We, the undersigned residents of Brookhaven, respectfully urge the town to increase its support and funding for humane stray and feral cat programs. Currently, the lack of resources for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), veterinary care, recovery spaces, and feeding assistance places immense stress on both the animals and the residents who care for them. The burden of managing this growing issue should not be placed on private individuals—Brookhaven must take responsibility and implement a comprehensive municipal program that ensures humane and effective solutions.

Many towns across New York and the country have taken proactive steps by providing funding, facilities, and dedicated personnel to manage stray and feral cat populations responsibly. For example, Huntington, Islip, and Babylon have made significant investments in TNR programs, established recovery spaces for cats post-surgery, and provided assistance to colony caretakers. These initiatives have led to a decrease in stray populations, fewer disease outbreaks, and reduced burdens on local shelters and residents.

Brookhaven, however, lacks a formal, town-supported recovery space for cats who undergo TNR. Expecting residents to shoulder this responsibility—both financially and physically—is unfair and unsustainable. Cats need proper care during their recovery, and without a designated location, many suffer from improper conditions or are released too soon, undermining the entire effort.

We demand that the Town of Brookhaven take the following urgent actions:

Allocate dedicated funding for humane stray and feral cat programs, including TNR efforts, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, and medical care.

Establish a town-run recovery space where cats can safely recuperate after TNR before being released. This facility should be staffed by town employees, not overburdened residents.

Hire paid town employees to oversee and assist with TNR, cat care, and community education, rather than relying entirely on volunteers.

Provide resources and support to residents who care for established cat colonies, including food, shelter, and medical aid.

Update town ordinances to protect community cats, prevent abandonment, and promote responsible pet ownership.
Follow the example of other municipalities that have successfully managed this issue through town-supported, humane solutions.

The Town of Brookhaven must act now. The continued lack of action only increases the suffering of innocent animals and puts undue pressure on compassionate residents who are already doing more than their fair share. A well-funded, town-supported program will not only benefit the cats but also improve public health, reduce nuisance complaints, and strengthen the town’s commitment to humane solutions.

We respectfully request a meeting with town officials to discuss these concerns and immediate action steps toward implementing these changes. We look forward to your response and appreciate your time in addressing this urgent matter.

Sincerely, 

Loving Paws, Inc. 🐾