NYC Eartips: Fall 2008

Town Hall Meeting Brings Together NYC Feral Cat Resources

by Valerie Sicignano, NYC Feral Cat Initiative

On September 18, 2008, representatives from many of the organizations that offer services for feral cats in New York City got together at the ASPCA's midtown offices to present volunteers involved with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) projects with accurate and timely information about the programs available to them. They also brainstormed ways to work together to promote our common goal — to increase the number of feral cats neutered and living in monitored colonies, with improved quality of life through TNR awareness and advocacy. The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, the NYC Feral Cat Initiative, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of New York, and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) presented a snap-shot version of their services and an overview of how their organizations work together for the benefit of feral cats.

The meeting began with informative presentations by representatives from the above-mentioned organizations about programs related to TNR. Next, breakout discussion groups brainstormed around areas of most concern to feral cat caretakers, including recovery space, spay/neuter availability, hands-on trapping help, funding for feral cats' vet bills, and options for adoptable cats. Later, participants broke out into geographic groups to network with those participants who live in their area.

Presenters at the meeting included:

Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals: Jane Hoffman, Founder and President, narrated a slide show describing the work and the accomplishments the Alliance has made toward its goal of transforming New York City into a no-kill community. Learn more about the Mayor's Alliance.

New York City Feral Cat Initiative (NYCFCI): Meredith Weiss, TNR Director, spoke about the NYCFCI's Bronx and Brooklyn field staff and the TNR coaches who assist volunteers on-site at TNR projects in all five boroughs. Valerie Sicignano, Director of Programs, spoke about the online information, phone, and e-mail advice that is available on the NYCFCI website. Steve Gruber, Mayor's Alliance Communications Director, introduced the NYCFCI's online quarterly newsletter, NYC Eartips, and its community outreach brochure, "The New York City Feral Cat Initiative: Working to Save the Lives of NYC's Feral & Stray Cats." Learn more about the NYCFCI.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Aimee Hartmann, Director of the ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic, presented a slide show about the program, which spayed/neutered 14,300 dogs and cats (pet and feral) in 2007. Jesse Oldham, Senior Administrative Director, Community Outreach, organized and led the two breakout sessions. Learn more about the ASPCA's feral cat program.

The Humane Society of New York (HSNY): Sandra DeFeo, Co-Executive Director, described the shelter's free feral cat spay/neuter program. The free service is available to trained NYC feral cat caretakers and includes a full exam and ear mite and flea medications for the cats in their care. Learn more about the HSNY.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Patrick Kwan, New York State Director, gave an update on the feral cats at JFK Airport and distributed HSUS's new feral cat brochure, "Helping Homeless Cats." Learn more about the HSUS's feral cat program.

Those who attended the meeting expressed appreciation not only for having the opportunity to learn about the many resources available to colony caretakers in New York City, but also for the chance to meet and exchange ideas with caretakers from other communities. Watch the NYCFCI website events calendar for future meetings of this sort to be scheduled in the coming months.