Cat Herders
Paradise Island is a little more like paradise for animals these
days, thanks to some awesome Baark! volunteers who form an amazing team referred
to as "The Cat Herders!". They
have tirelessly dedicated time and energy to helping to control the stray cat
problem on PI. So far, they have trapped, neutered and released (TNR) a total
of 102 cats, remember that is just on Paradise Island.
The team of cat herders moves slowly over the island, trying to
focus on pregnant females and big males whenever possible. The cats are
safely trapped and transported to a vet. At the vet a quick procedure is done
to spay or neuter the cat. After a recovery overnight at the veterinarian’s
office, the cat is transported back to the location it was trapped and set free
to live out the rest of their lives in peace without interfering with the human
population.
Some people ask why we use TNR and
not simply remove or euthanize the cats. Many people think this is a better
solution whereas it is proven not to be. If cats are taken out of
their territory, others will move in to replace them as there is a food source
and the cycle continues again. "Trapping and killing
teaches young and old that it is okay to create unwanted offspring and then
kill the surplus - leaving no room for education or compassion for life."1
What is amazing is that despite the fact that they have been
able to do this for over 102 cats, the cat herders feel this is just the
beginning of making an impact on the actual size of the cat colonies on
Paradise Island. Translation, we still have a ways to go. Cat herders, thank
you, we love your heart and your dedication to helping all the PI cats, your team
is one of a kind!
There is also talk of doing this project in other over populated
areas in Nassau as well but the cat herding team would need some dedicated
volunteers to help them to take on this task. Please contact Baark! if you are
interested.
1.www.feralcats.com/TNR.html
Please
spay and neuter your animals.
By
ensuring your animal cannot produce more litters you are saving lives and
decreasing the suffering of unwanted animals.
Please consider donating or helping with Baark!’s efforts to improve
animal welfare in the Bahamas. For more information contact us at info@baarkbahamas.org or (558-3039)