Animal Welfare |
Jun 01, 2016 |
Volunteer Event
“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
More than thirty years of documented proof shows that trap-and-kill methods have no lasting effect on reducing feral cat populations. Trap and kill is simply ineffective, expensive and cruel. If all the cats are not caught, then the ones left behind over breed until the former population level is reached. Even if all the cats are removed, new un-neutered cats move in to take advantage of whatever food source is available. Once there, they breed prolifically, quickly populating a new colony with descendants that are more cautious and more disease-resistant.
Trap/Neuter/Return, commonly referred to as “TNR,” is the only method proven to be humane and effective at controlling the feral cat population. Using this technique, all the feral cats in a colony are trapped, neutered and then returned to their territory.
A feral cat management plan, such as the one promoted by CARA, has a dramatic impact on solving neighbourhood feral cat problems. The Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method has shown to be enormously successful in reducing cat populations, at the same time it also offers the cat’s peaceful lives in their territories. In the end, everyone benefits: cats, wildlife, and people. It is effective, responsible and humane. The breeding stops and populations are gradually reduced. Nuisance behaviours associated with mating and breeding, such as calling and fighting, are virtually eliminated.
TNR recognizes there is a balance in our urban society, one that includes feral cats. We would be over run with rats and cockroaches if it wasn’t for the cats. TNR is a movement that will hopefully continue to grow as more and more people see that it works.
The work of the TNR TEAM is to help us promote TNR in your communities as well as assist in TNR efforts.
Work needed within this committee:
The TNR Coordinator:
- Help raise funds for TNR - get sponsorships from corporations and other agencies
- Introduces TNR program to barangays, villages, commercial establishments (briefing on TNR and what it entails)
- Prepares TNR documents and related materials.
- Oversees TNR implementation.
- Assists in the solicitation of funding to be able to do charity TNR especially in areas where cats have a food source
- Prepares MOA with the other party
TNR Committee Volunteers:
- Coordinate scheduled catching with clinic, catchers and van
- Oversee actual catching and will be the authority to explain the process to onlookers
- Label each cage as it is caught: description of cat, gender, exact location, ear notch requirement, other pertinent info
- Look for volunteer homes for recovery if needed
- Oversee the release/return of cats and solicits cooperation of onlookers to ensure cat’s well-being
Requirements:
- A quiet and calm personality; the cats are feral and need careful handling. (Training in how to trap will be given.)
- Works well under pressure.
- Preferably with own transport (we trap in various locations).
By becoming a CARA Volunteer you are helping inform, educate, inspire and empower. We are not just fighting for animal welfare we are helping build a more compassionate society.
All volunteers must attend an orientation meeting at the CARA Clinic in Mandaluyong City. After you sign up you shall receive an email from us, informing you of the next orientation date, usually on a Saturday.
CARA simply cannot survive without the help of dedicated animal lovers who generously volunteer their time each week. From fostering kittens to computer work; our members improve the quality of life for so many pets.Commitment and communication are the keys to a successful group of people who are all here for the same reason because they love animals.
