Baark! On Cat herders

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)