Development of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Policy in New Jersey

The New Jersey Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) was created in 2004 by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services. One of the missions was to work in partnership with various government agencies and animal welfare organizations to promote animal health and welfare issues. The OAW also educated the public, as well as the various government agencies, about animal health, safety and welfare matters including feral and stray cats

Concerns of various local agencies included: possible transmission of rabies and other zoonotic diseases; the cost and difficulties of trapping; cost and challenges associated with holding the feral and stray cats; protection of rare, cat-vulnerable wildlife species; and non-lethal methods to humanely manage and reduce the feral and stray cat populations.

Many of these diverse groups looked to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) for guidance. The NJDHSS established a trap, neuter and release (TNR) position to allow each municipality to decide for itself whether to embrace TNR carried out in accordance with appropriate written guidelines.

The OAW studied the many, many issues associated with free-roaming feral and stray cats. . The OAW convened a symposium and invited local and county health officials, animal control officers, animal welfare advocates, wildlife officials and advocates, and other interested parties. Out of this was eventually borne the New Jersey Feral Cat-Wildlife Coalition.

Health professionals should lead the way in building consensus to address feral and stray cat overpopulation as it can have profound consequences for public health.