In 2013, Macomb County Animal Control initiated a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program as a humane and non-lethal approach to controlling the long term, free-roaming cat population. Cats that participate in the TNR program are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and have their ear tip clipped to symbolize that they have been sterilized through the program, and they are returned to the area that they originate.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program
The Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program is proven to be humane and effective at controlling outdoor cat population growth. Using this technique, cats will be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, ear-tipped for identification, and then returned to their original territory. The goal of this TNR program is to maximize quality of life for the cats and to minimize growth of the colony over time.
Macomb County Animal Control and participating vet clinics use qualified staffing and approved materials for all procedures performed. Our model ordinance outlines specific protocols for community cat management.
Community Cat Best Practices:
- All community cats shall be sterilized, ear tipped and vaccinated in accordance with the Trap-Neuter-Return process.
- All community cats living in colonies shall be cared for on the private property of the community cat caregiver or with the permission of the property owner or property manager.
- All community cats may be managed and maintained by a community cat caregiver under the following requirements:
- Food. Feeding areas may not be located within thirty (30) feet of a primary residential or commercial structure.
- Food shall be provided in the proper quantity for the number of cats being managed and is to be supplied no more than twice per day, for only 30 minutes each feeding time.
- Food must be placed in feeding containers that are maintained and secure.
- All feeding stations shall be kept in a clean, sanitary manner.
- Food may only be placed out between the hours of dawn and dusk. No food shall be left out overnight.
- Water. Supplied water must be clean, potable, and free from debris and algae.
- Shelter. If shelter is provided, it shall be unobtrusive, safe, and of the proper size for the cat(s). Shelters may not be located within thirty (30) feet of a primary residential or commercial structure.
- Food. Feeding areas may not be located within thirty (30) feet of a primary residential or commercial structure.
- Trapping of free-roaming or community cats is permitted only for the purpose of Trap-Neuter-Return unless the community cat is injured and veterinary care is required.
- An ear tipped cat received by Animal Control shall be returned to the location where it was trapped with no hold periods, unless veterinary care is required.
Outdoor, unowned or free-roaming cats that live in our community are referred to as "community cats." Community cats can have a range of behaviors and socialization levels, and can live long, healthy lives outdoors. They are occasionally called stray, feral, alley, wild, neighborhood or tomcat.
The community cat population can be controlled if we take proactive action to prevent them from reproducing. If you notice a cat that is living in your area that doesn't have an ear tip, there is a chance that the cat is not sterilized. It is sad and unfortunate that these cats have ended up living their lives outside, but many have adjusted and become happy with the outdoor lifestyle. As a resident of Macomb County, you have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of these animals and maintain a healthy and sterile community. Read about our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program!
Macomb County residents now have the opportunity to request a voucher from Macomb County Animal Control to cover the cost TNR sterilization package offered by All About Animals. Participants will be limited to 3 vouchers per month. Community cats must be trapped within our service areas of Macomb County and must then be safely released back into the originating area. An appointment must be secured through All About Animals Rescue following their stray community cat protocol. Participants are responsible for:
- Completing a voucher request form
- Picking up TNR voucher(s) from Macomb County Animal Control upon approval
- Humane live trapping of the community cat
- Transporting (including drop-off and pick-up) the community cat to All About Animals Rescue
- Safe release of the community cat.
Check out local low-cost TNR options: