We have all seen stray cats throughout Los Angeles, since it’s a rapidly growing problem. Each female can produce about 5 cats a year, which can multiple to over 400,000 in just seven years. All of these cats are territorial, so if you take them out of a certain area, a new group will quickly move in and grow expedientially. The optimal option to control their population is through TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release). Not only is this the best option, but it’s also the most humane.
There are numerous groups that want to eradicate this so called “annoying rodent problem.” What they don’t understand is these animals are a vital part of the natural ecosystem of a city. Each of these cats are being upstanding citizens, doing their part as natural predators, by controlling the mice and rat population. So if you know anyone who hates feral cats, ask them how they feel about rats, because there will certainly be thousands more, if not for cats. In fact, the infamous “Plague” was due to the eradication of cats, after Pope Gregory IX associated them with the devil in 1232. This resulted in Europe being overrun by rats, spreading the fatal disease, which killed 1/3 to 1/2 of Europe’s population.
Not only are cats the best defense against rodent infestation, they are 100% environmentally safe with no harsh chemicals or traps.The chemicals used to get rid of rodents are at best, harsh on the ozone and air quality. At worst, they can be dangerous, even deadly to unsuspecting dogs who think they have found a snack. The traps are much better on the environment, but can snap closed on a child’s hand or foot.
TNR has worked in many smaller college communities, such as the University of Texas, Cal Poly, as well as our own Los Angeles Valley College. It’s even the preferred rodent control of the “happiest place on earth,” Disneyland. With so many cat colonies in the city, TNR seems like a daunting task. However, with low cost spay and neuter programs, you can spay or neuter a cat for just $25.00-$85.00.Money well spent when you consider you aren’t just helping one cat, you are saving 400,000 lives over the next seven years. For information on how to conduct your own Trap, Neuter and Release program, visithttp://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=889.
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