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High-intensity TNR ‘most effective way’ to stabilise feral cat populations
TNR is the method of trapping feral cats and kittens humanely so they can be neutered or spayed by a veterinary surgeon.

Study shares new insights into humane method of trapping free-roaming cats

Stray cat populations managed by a high-intensity Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme experience more than 30 times fewer deaths compared to when taking no action, according to new research.

TNR is the method of trapping feral cats and kittens humanely so they can be neutered or spayed by a veterinary surgeon. Most TNR programmes also vaccinate, feed and provide care for free-roaming cats, which are then returned to their territories to live out the rest of their lives.

The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, was led by the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) - an association of experts in veterinary medicine, cat welfare and wildlife conservation.

Using sophisticated modelling software, the team simulated the impacts and associated costs of seven different management strategies for reducing cat populations. They found that, over a 10-year-period, TNR can effectively reduce preventable deaths, while drastically reducing the number of cats and kittens.

Co-author Margaret Slater, senior director of research at the ASPCA, said: “Sadly, many communities still opt to do nothing to control populations of community cats or use outdated, ineffective methods - such as sporadic trapping and removal. This research confirms that high-intensity TNR is the most effective, humane way to stabilise a population of community cats and, over time, reduce them.”

Wildlife biologist Dr John books who is also on ACC&D’s board of directors, added: “The effectiveness of TNR programs often is debated but less commonly is defined well. TNR groups most often track numbers of sterilisations performed and cats entering or euthanised in shelters as measures of effectiveness.

“These metrics are important, but they do not measure reduction in numbers of outdoor cats or illustrate how management translates into “lives saved” in an outdoor cat population”.

ACC&D is a not-for-profit organisation that works to advance new methods of non-surgical birth control. Its members include International Cat Care, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Humane Society of the United States.

It is hoped the results of the study will lead to alternatives for the treatment of domestic cats and dogs, in addition to feral communities. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.