Our focus is on the felines and we need your help!
In 2014, PAWS adopted a humane and effective approach to feral cats that many rescue groups and animal control agencies throughout the country have instituted. Trap/Neuter/Return, or TNR for short, has been championed by animal welfare advocates for several years now, and continues to gain traction as it is implemented in more communities with successful results.
To read more about the benefits of TNR, click here.
Roughly 70 percent of the cats who end up at shelters in this country are killed. Of those, most are stray and free-roaming, or as we like to call them, community cats. The goal of PAWS’ TNR program is to end the killing by keeping cats safe and out of shelters.
What is PAWS doing for TNR in Bourbon County?
PAWS is playing an important role in TNR for Bourbon County, as we believe strongly that TNR is the only long-term effective solution for feral cats. We are supporting the efforts of community members to TNR cats in their areas by providing individuals with traps and the surgeries at no cost. Last year, we had a major break through when we received a grant from Petsmart Charities to spay/neuter over 150 stray and feral cats.
With this grant and all the people that have helped so far, we have made a big impact on the community cat population of Bourbon County. But there is more work to do, and we need your help!
How you can help:
Volunteer Opportunities
PAWS TNR relies on the time and energy of our dedicated volunteers to coordinate, manage and execute our TNR efforts. We are always open to new volunteers and no prior training or experience is required.
Trappers
Volunteers span out across different sites around Bourbon County to trap the cats for spay/neuter surgery. The trapping is 100% humane and all equipment and supplies are provided. Although patience is often the key, no prior experience is required.
Drivers
Drivers are needed to transport the cats to and from the trapping locations, holding location, and the shelter for surgery.
Recovery Caretakers
As the cats recover from surgery, volunteers monitor their progress, provide food and water and a warm, quiet place for the night. Ensuring a successful recovery is an integral part of the TNR process.
Administrative
There is a great deal of coordination behind the scenes that goes into a successful TNR program. Examples include responding to inquiries, managing policies and procedures, coordinating the clinics, website administration, community outreach and the list goes on!
If you would like to help PAWS in their TNR efforts, please call 859-988-9800 to get started!
