Dr. Jeff Parker of the University of Alabama leads our education outreach. University of Alabama students, under his direction, teach classes at local schools about the plight of abandoned animals. They explore the causes, effects on the community as well as the animals, and possible solutions to the pet overpopulation problem. These students, in turn, are educating their peers, families, and community in events ranging from school events to booths at public events to visits with local and state government.
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Photos: James Harper and Nikki Evans of Tuscaloosa Spay & Neuter Incentive Program stopped by Davis Emerson Middle School to talk with kids about the TNR process.
A video made by A Pause for Paws Youth Project and Dr. Jeffrey Parker. Written, performed, and edited by sixth grade students to raise awareness of the plight of abused, abandoned, and feral animals.
How TSNIP Helps
Spay and Neuter Assistance
Research shows that people living above the poverty line spay or neuter 90% of their pets. People living below the poverty line spay or neuter only 10% of their pets. Approximately 6,100 unaltered pet dogs and 7,000 unaltered pet cats in Tuscaloosa belong to families living below the poverty line. Even when carefully managed, pregnancy in dogs and cats can be difficult to prevent, added to the unplanned pet population. The average female dog can have 12 puppies per year; the average female cat can have 12-24 kittens per year.
TSNIP's Spay-Neuter Program provides need-based funding for surgery, transportation, and community outreach to neighborhoods with the highest unwanted pet populations. And there are additional health benefits to spaying and neutering pets: Spaying a female dog before her first heat decreases her chances of breast cancer by more than 90%.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
Trap-Neuter-Return is effective for large-scale management and reduction of feral cat populations. Feral cats live in areas with adequate shelter, food, and water. If the colony is removed, new cats will move in. Feral cats are very territorial, and once spayed or neutered, they are homebodies and defend their territory against new, unaltered cats.
Spaying or neutering a feral cat dramatically changes their behavior and improves their overall health and life expectancy.
Research shows that people living above the poverty line spay or neuter 90% of their pets. People living below the poverty line spay or neuter only 10% of their pets. Approximately 6,100 unaltered pet dogs and 7,000 unaltered pet cats in Tuscaloosa belong to families living below the poverty line. Even when carefully managed, pregnancy in dogs and cats can be difficult to prevent, added to the unplanned pet population. The average female dog can have 12 puppies per year; the average female cat can have 12-24 kittens per year.
TSNIP's Spay-Neuter Program provides need-based funding for surgery, transportation, and community outreach to neighborhoods with the highest unwanted pet populations. And there are additional health benefits to spaying and neutering pets: Spaying a female dog before her first heat decreases her chances of breast cancer by more than 90%.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
Trap-Neuter-Return is effective for large-scale management and reduction of feral cat populations. Feral cats live in areas with adequate shelter, food, and water. If the colony is removed, new cats will move in. Feral cats are very territorial, and once spayed or neutered, they are homebodies and defend their territory against new, unaltered cats.
Spaying or neutering a feral cat dramatically changes their behavior and improves their overall health and life expectancy.
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Spayed or Neutered Feral Cats
Average lifespan is 8-10 years Rarely spray urine Odor reduced by 50% Quiet Usually healthy Population stable, then decreases |
