Increasing Spay-Neuter Access for Cats with Robert Murtaugh, DVM, and Robert Weedon, DVM.
May 23, 2023
Saving Kittens with Nancy Peterson, Board Member of the National Kitten Coalition
May 30, 2023
Contributed by Cheri Storms, Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
Elected officials are tasked with making a multitude of decisions, many that they’d never contemplated. When it comes to Community Cat programs, most elected officials are unfamiliar with the topic and don’t understand the solutions. Instead, they are likely to hear the loud voice of one person who dislikes cats and set to work to address their complaint.
This was the case in Indiana – one repeated complainer put a small, well-managed colony in harm’s way. To help municipal leaders understand Community Cat programs, Pet Friendly Services of Indiana created a guide to not only explain the benefits of community cat programs but to also showcase local and state elected officials who have passed laws to protect cats (and dogs.)
What’s the difference between a state guide vs. a guide from a national organization?
Elected officials in each state know each other. In Indiana, mayors routinely attend “roundtable meetings” where they rely on one another as they seek solutions. Mayors also know state representatives, as they work on issues within their party – or across the aisle. Ditto for county council members and other elected officials.
Because the Indiana guide mentions several elected officials, along with the work of various cities and towns, the guide provides a level of comfort for those seeking solutions. As readers learn what other communities have done, they feel reassured that allowing trap-neuter-vaccinate-return is the correct decision.
What else needs to be in the guide?
Elected officials are generally interested in keeping the peace and fiscal policy. Reassure them that people really do care about the fate of cats and look for news articles with cost savings information. Make the guide very professional so that elected officials will see you as the expert (which you are!)
Getting the word out!
Once your guide is complete, add it to your website, and be sure to let every Community Cat program in your state know that it is available. If groups have an issue in their area, encourage them to get this guide into the hands of every elected official as soon as possible. This will allow them time to read it and discuss it with their colleagues.
The Indiana cat colony that was in harm’s way was saved by our guide! The town council had already gotten to work and had found a person who would remove the cats for $75 each. Time was of the essence! Pet Friendly Services worked with our local community cat group to get the guide into the hands of town council members immediately. After reading the material and discussing community cats, the colony was allowed to remain in place.
About Cheri Storms
Cheri joined Pet Friendly Services of Indiana in 2005 and has worked in different capacities to increase spay/neuter surgeries. Under her leadership, Pet Friendly Services has grown from a central-Indiana-based program to a statewide program, funding thousands of surgeries each year. Cheri also serves on the board of directors of the United Spay Alliance, where she chairs the Vet Shortage Task Force, composed of industry experts in need of additional veterinary capacity.
