Animal Services has made substantial progress decreasing the feral cat population with the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return program launched in 2018.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Animal Services has made substantial progress decreasing the feral cat population with the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return program launched in 2018. More than
2,000 cats have been sterilized and vaccinated through the TNVR program, preventing more than 6,474 kittens from entering our community.
Citizens have trapped and transported feral cats from 348 locations around the county, freeing Animal Services Officers to handle public safety and animal cruelty issues.
“We are very encouraged by the number of people reporting fewer issues in their communities from feral cats,” said Animal Services Director Elaine Smith.” Most people don’t want feral cats to be killed, they just want them to stop having kittens. Sterilizing reduces many of the remaining complaints about cats, including the fighting, yowling, and spraying that no one wants.”
Cat owners are responsible for keeping their cats on their own property, as the county leash law does apply to cats.
“The best place for a pet cat is indoors,” Smith said. “There are a lot of dangers to cats outside, including dogs, cars, diseases, coyotes. If you choose to allow your cat outside, please make sure they are microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered.”
Cats that have been through the TNVR program are identifiable by the “ear tip” – the tip of the left ear is removed while the cat is under anesthesia. This is visible from a distance without handling the cat.
For general questions about Cumberland County Animal Services, email ccac@co.cumberland.nc.us, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/animalservices or call the shelter at 910-321-6852. To request assistance with community cats, email tnr@co.cumberland.nc.us.