Alley Cat Rescue Begins Bold Project to TNR a Colony of 200 cats in Los Angeles

Alley Cat Rescue (ACR) has been on the ground working to combat the cat overpopulation issue in Los Angeles, California. There are an estimated 2 to 3 million feral cats in LA alone. The City of Los Angeles is stuck in a long legal battle and cannot implement trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs until a new citywide plan is approved. This current stalemate leaves the fate of these animals in the hands of groups like ACR; it’s up to us to help these cats receive the sterilization and care they need.

ACR has one part-time volunteer working tirelessly to TNR cats throughout LA. In the past year, this dedicated volunteer has spayed/neutered 175 feral cats and found homes for another 45 cats. She even recently saved three feral cats from euthanasia at a local shelter and relocated them to an avocado farm where they are now “working” to protect the farm from rodent intruders.

Currently, our volunteer found a colony of over 200 cats while shopping at an LA mall. There were cats everywhere: in the parking lots, alleyways, and sidewalks. ACR knew this was a colony that needed our help; their population numbers were likely growing exponentially and none of the cats had an ear-tip indicating they were TNR’d. So far our volunteer has TNR’d 15 cats, but she still has a lot of work to do!

The situation in LA is unlikely to improve without a TNR program run by the city. ACR is currently managing the colony of 200 cats on our own, and other TNR groups in the area are stretched thin. 

In April 2016, the city prepared a new proposal for implementing TNR in Los Angeles. This includes providing funding for spay/neuter services for feral cats and providing educational programs regarding community cats. An Environmental Impact Report is being prepared by the city to assess the effects of a TNR program. The city projects the proposal will be voted on in Fall/Winter of 2018. This is a long time to leave the feral cats of LA without support.
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At our headquarters in Maryland, ACR has been advocating for feral cats in LA. We sent an action alert out to our followers to submit public comments for the new proposal. We heard back from many feral cat advocates who understand the importance of TNR and kindly voiced their support to the LA city council. Thank you to everyone who submitted comments!

Until a decision is reached by the city and we receive support from local authorities, ACR is asking our supporters for assistance in helping these cats. Please consider donating to help us continue our TNR efforts for the cats of LA. A $50 donation will ensure one cat is spayed or neutered and receives vaccines. Every dollar offers life-saving resources, so please give what you can. You can make a tax-deductible donation here.