Town of Gilbert launches new program to control growing feral cat population

GILBERT, AZ — The city of Gilbert is launching a pilot program to address the growing feral cat population.

The city plans to use the humane trap-neuter-return (TNR) process, which reduces the number of stray cats, improves their quality of life and minimizes impacts on community members who may find them a nuisance. Maricopa County officials say sterilized cats often exhibit reduced or eliminated behaviors, such as meowing, fighting and spraying. They are also more likely to be healthier.

ABC15 spoke with experts about the program, how it works and what animal rescues have to say about the expected results. Watch Adam Mintzer’s full report in the video player above.

In Arizona, cats are legally free roaming and it is illegal harming, moving, abandoning or throwing away cats.

In 2018ABC15 covered an ordinance passed by the city that made it “unlawful to feed or place food for any wild or wild animal on city-owned property or public right-of-way,” which was met with some pushback from residents. residents and animal advocates, including those who reported feeding TNR cats. At the time, a spokesperson said, “The ordinance does not prohibit anyone from feeding wildlife on private property or implementing a TNR or similar program. »

If there are stray cats in your area that you would like to sterilize to reduce the number of litters, Click here.

For more information about TNR, Click here.

Maricopa County also provides information on stray cats, wild animals and TNR.