The state’s leader in animal euthanasia now has a plan to reduce cat overpopulation.
The Augusta Commission on Tuesday approved a partnership between Augusta Animal Services, the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and Best Friends Animal Society to start a “community cat program.”
The program is “trap-neuter-return” or TNR, in which healthy stray cats are captured and sterilized, then released in the same area.
“This is a solution that will create positive outcomes for cats and is consistent with national best practices for animal shelters,” said Allison Mayfield, CEO of the Northeast Georgia Humane Society. “I am excited that the Augusta-Richmond County commissioners voted to approve this program.”
In earlier presentations to the commission, the group highlighted the high kill rate at Augusta Animal Services. Last year, city staffers took in 2,325 cats and euthanized 1,461, saving only 37% of the cats.
“There are more dogs and cats killed at Augusta Animal Services than any other shelter in Georgia,” Mayfield said.
The program isn’t expected to cost the city anything. Best Friends Animal Society has provided an initial grant of $150,000, which will pay for surgeries and medical care, as well as local staff to manage the program. Best Friends committed to fund the program for three years.
“Community cat programs are fiscally responsible, protect public health, and are popular with Richmond County residents,” said Carrie Ducote, Best Friends’ national director of the shelter collaborative program. “Many local shelters, including Aiken County have seen success by implementing a community cat program.”
Residents who call animal services about stray cats will be diverted to a grant-funded community cat program coordinator. The coordinator will connect the cats with veterinary staff who will spay or neuter the cats, vaccinate them and “tip” their ears. Cutting a small tip from their ears identifies the cats as having gone through the program.
Community support is integral to the program, a release stated. To support the program or get help with outdoor cats, contact at ccpaugusta@hsnega.org.
