Playing the Cards You’re Dealt: Implementing Feline Lifesaving Programs and Practices Despite Restrictive Ordinance Provisions

Kailey A. Mauro; Peter J. Wolf

doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v3.49

Authors

Kailey A. Mauro Graduate Student (Graduated), Unity Environmental University, New Gloucester, ME, USA
Peter J. Wolf Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3642-5911

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v3.49

Keywords:

animal shelter, community cats, live-release rate, public policy, trap-neuter-return

Abstract

Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs enjoy strong public support in the U.S. These programs have been shown to successfully increase live release rates and decrease euthanasia rates of cats in animal shelters. However, local laws can impede the implementation of TNR programs. In cooperation with St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, this community case study describes the results of various programs and practices implemented to increase feline lifesaving despite restrictive ordinance provisions, as well as those associated with subsequent ordinance revisions. The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services provided detailed data for the period of January 2015 through December 2023 (e.g. intake, live outcomes, and euthanasia) and information regarding various programs and practices related to feline lifesaving. The data was then examined for general trends. In addition, St. Tammany Parish’s Ordinance No. 21-4618, which includes both the original provisions and revised provisions, was examined for those likely to affect the shelter’s feline admissions and outcomes. The data suggests that the programs and practices implemented were associated with considerable increases in live outcomes for cats (from 26.4 to 95.4%) and corresponding reductions in euthanasia rates (from 71.1 to 3.0%). The adoption of revised ordinance provisions to reduce barriers for community cat management was associated with relatively little change; however, these provisions were generally positive in nature, removing an apparent requirement to impound at-large cats and facilitating the operation of a community cat program (CCP). This community case study illustrates the potential for animal shelters to substantially improve feline lifesaving regardless of possible legal impediments.

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