The Humane Society of Culpeper (HSC), along with the help of other dedicated caregivers, have invested a large of amount of time, money and resources – for the responsible care of what was once a group of unmanaged stray and feral cats living in this small, urban area. Much of this area is actually wooded and not in the view of the public. Without this dedicated means of intervention, many of these animals would have continued to breed and populate the area. Recognizing that the majority of these cats were not socialized to people (many generations having been born on the property), it was determined that the best course of action was to provide help in the spaying and neutering of the entire colony living there.

This process began as many as three years ago, when the HSC and its volunteers began working humanely to reduce the number of these feral cats by providing vaccinations, spaying and neutering, as part of our TNR or Trap-Neuter-Return Program. All along, the cats have been fed, vetted and monitored – while also continuously removing the occasional kitten or friendly adult, to be adopted back into the community. As a result, the remaining healthy adults have been calling this locality home, and have thrived since benefitting from this vital program.

Because many in the community support the lives of these animals (including the County Animal Shelter) and acknowledge that as long as the cats physical and medical needs are being met – these cats are not a nuisance and pose no public threat to the area. The majority of town residents also agree that these animals are entitled to live a humane existence until they reach the end of their lives. Further, it is understood that it is inhumane and irresponsible to remove or relocate these animals.

The HSC has made it part of their mission to help educate the public on the benefits of TNR, as well as provide assistance and protection for all cats in our community – whether feral, stray or otherwise. Call us at our administrative office for more details or info on how you can help. Humane Society of Culpeper - 540-727-7554.