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Volunteers take action in attempt to control Modale's feral cat problem
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By: Pete Graham, Editor
| 10/08/2007 |
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For some people, feral cats are not on the radar. For others, they are a thorny problem because they personally don't like cats, feral or otherwise. For still others, the strays are a sad commentary on pet ownership in the 21st century and the crying need for humane help.
In Modale, a group of volunteers decided to help the city do something humane about its feral cat problem, i.e. overpopulation. They created a Trap-Neuter (spay)-Release (T-N-R) program at no cost to the taxpayers, but with the blessing of a city ordinance.
Lois Pleiss and Nikki Davis, both Modale residents, are concerned about animal welfare. As they attended city council meetings, it became apparent to them that Modale had a feral cat overpopulation and something had to be done-to save the animals and prevent them from further multiplying.
It turned out that many folks had been feeding feral cats that strayed onto their premises and had no idea they were not really helping the animals, but making their survival even tougher. After Pleiss and Davis pressed for a city ordinance that would allow them to start a T-N-R program in Modale and surround area, it became apparent that the city would save money by humanely altering the animals.
The idea was to have humane surgery performed on the cats, give them proper recovery time and release them to continue their catly ways-but unable to create any more cute little stray kittens. "They would get to live out their lives with plenty to eat and a safe place to be, and there would be no further expansion of the feral problem, no more cost to the city," Pleiss said. In fact, for every five animals spayed or neutered the town gets a freeÊspay or neuter.
The women realized that euthanization was expensive for taxpayers and unfortunate for the cats involved, many of who brought joy to those who feed and observe them daily. They visited several Modale city council meeting and finally were able to convince the council, with the help of City Attorney Ann Long, to pass an ordinance allowing feral cats to be picked up by the T-N-R program, spayed or neutered and then released back into the community. "It took nine meetings to get the council to pass the ordinance," Pleiss said.
Pleiss said some cats were being transported by authorities to the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha for euthanization-without a veterinary certificate, something that is illegal in Iowa because it involves transport over state lines.
FIRST TRAPPING
The first T-N-R was held Aug. 17 under the auspices of the new Modale ordinance and over 20 cats were spayed or neutered by Dr. Kelly Gochenour, Logan, received immunizations, were treated with Revolution¨, a flea and tick repellent, and after monitored-recovery by volunteer vet techs, released back into the community.
There was no cost to the city, Pleiss noted, but it did cost $38 for a female, $28 for a male, and $25 per kitten to receive the surgery. So, donations are needed. "The main objective," said Pleiss, "is that the cats live out their lives and do not reproduce. We're trying to get as many as we can, about 20-25 per session, including farm cats. We need everyone's help in this."
Statistics show that feral cat populations steadily decrease as a result of a T-N-R program. In contrast, capturing and killing the cats does not work. Cat colonies continue to flourish, with outsiders joining the colony to use the food resources that have been left behind.
T-N-R IS CHEAPER
Local governments, Pleiss said, can find substantial savings in taypayer dollars by underwriting the program. It is simply cheaper to neuter a feral cat than it is to impound it, and kill and dispose of the body. The program also eliminates feral cats as a nuisance factor for the community.
Services provided by volunteers at the T-N-R sessions include: vaccinations for distemper and rabies, a microchip ID placed under the skin, and an ear notch ID. Treatment with Revolution¨ is also included.
Pleiss said volunteers from Panora P.E.T.S., an Iowa organization helped with the last T-N-R session. They are a local organization concerned about the large population of neglected, stray and feral cats in their area. Within that and other groups, are volunteer veterinary techs, who travel to these sessions and assist the veterinarian in doing the surgery and providing the services noted above.
During the last session, the Humane Society of Nebraska in Omaha donated 15 carriers for cats to recover in. "We're hoping for even more such donations for the next clinic," Pleiss said.
The next T-N-R session for the Modale area will be in late October. Pleiss said Wednesday she has still not confirmed the date, but it will be announced. She said about 20-25 cats can be services on the next date.
FELINE FRIENDZ
Among the support groups helping to make life more bearable fort feral cats is Feline Friendz of Omaha. They look for good farm homes for feral cats. They are currently looking for homes for some of the altered cats-farm homes that can provide food, water and shelter for these altered, vaccinated and cleaned up cats.
The farm homes must be willing to confine the cats for a period of time so the cats will know they are in a safe, new location. If you can help, contact Feline Friendz at 712-778-1111.
ABOUT LOIS PLEISS
Lois Pleiss, employed by a large Omaha financial services firm, has lived in Modale since 2001, moving to the small community from her former home in Elkhorn, Neb.
"Annexation was getting closer and closer and I could see the handwriting on the wall," she said. She began searching for a new place, preferably in Iowa due to the lower property taxes. "I looked at several places in Missouri Valley, but settled on my new home in Modale." She continues to commute to her job in Omaha.
Pleiss said she got involved in crusading for the T-N-R program because someone was trying to "trash" animals "who cannot make any decisions and need help." She met Davis and other interested citizens and the gears began to turn.
"There is a better way to do it, and I was unfamiliar with the T-N-R program until I got online and found many groups working on the problem," she said. "There are always going to be cats-get over it-and help is needed with the program," Pleiss urged. "When these animals are done, everyone will know they are no health hazard to the community (one of the rumors volunteers ran into in trying to get the city ordinance)."
Pleiss said volunteers are badly needed to help with the trapping. They need to be able to give a day to help with transportation to the surgery site. The volunteers would help trap and carry traps to the holding area for surgery and perhaps help in collecting donations. Monetary donations are urgently needed, as well. "Any amount, even one-dollar will help," Pleiss said.
If you are interested in participating, learning about the program or are considering requesting the passage of an ordinance in your community, call Pleiss at 402-222-7030.
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©MISSOURI VALLEY TIMES - NEWS 2010
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