Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

A Review of the Literature
Rogelio Reyes
University of Texas at El Paso

Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

Abstract
To support a petition to protect feral cats, citizens must identify that the protection of
feral cats is the responsibility of, not only animal activists, but of the general population, citizens
must identify a program that can help reduce the feral cat population without euthanasia, and
show evidence that such a program has worked for other cities in the State of Texas. The
population control of feral cats is an important environmental issue. Feral cats have
overpopulated our communities. There has been a recent trend with helping control their
population. Some people advocate for the eradication of these feral cats while others advocate
for a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program. Research has shown that there has been great
efforts in many cities in Texas to move from euthanasia of feral cats to the implementation of a
TNR program. There needs to be a change in legislation to help protect the cats; humans are
directly responsible for their feral status in urban and suburban areas.

Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia
A Review of the Literature
Throughout the City of El Paso there are 1feral cats that help control pests. They usually
live in colonies, and once they have become feral they are unable to be adopted. This is an issue
as feral cats that are caught by animal control do not have a chance at adoption and are then put
down or euthanized. Feral cats are considered to be wild animals like squirrels, deer, and birds,
yet they are persecuted by animal control like if they were stray pets. Over the past 20 years
there has been an effort worldwide to help protect wild animals, feral cats included.
People are unaware of the opportunities to help protect the feral cat communities that
keep the city free of unwanted pests. Research should continue to reveal that, through the effort
of concerned citizens, many cities in the State of Texas have moved to implement programs such
as a Trap-Neuter-Release to help control the population of feral cats and reach a zero-euthanasia
goal. Consequently, the citizens of this city must petition to City Council and the Mayor, who
will in turn work with the office of the City Attorney to help make this goal an ordinance in the
City Code.
Research should analyze certain areas like these following four questions:
1. What programs are available to humanely control the population of feral cats?
2. What method of control of feral cats is more efficient?
3. How do other major cities in the State of Texas deal with this issue?
4. Are citizens liable for the humane treatment of feral cats?
1

A feral cat is defined as a cat who has reverted in some degree to a wild state, and by
nature cannot be reintroduced into a domestic environment.
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

Such ordinance will protect the rights of feral cats an make the City of El Paso a more humane
place for animals. To support the petition, citizens must identify that the protection of feral cats is
the responsibility of, not only animal activists, but of the general population, citizens must
identify a program that can help reduce the feral cat population without euthanasia, and show
evidence that such a program has worked for other cities in the State of Texas.
What Programs are Available to Control the Population of Feral Cats?
Feral cat control has been an issue since the turn of the century. An overpopulation of
feral cats over the years has contributed to the spread of rabies, FeLv, or feline aids, and the
transmission of other fatal and non-fatal diseases. The custom to deal with feral cats has always
been to have animal control take the animal in and if it is not claimed in the amount of time
appropriated by city code the animal would be euthanized. Over the past couple of years many
animal rights advocates have been searching for methods to help the feral cat population in a
more humane way than simply resorting to euthanasia. The best alternative to euthanasia
available, seems to be a Trap-Neuter-Release program. Given that this is the most important part
of the issue there is extensive research on the availability and the start-up of Trap-Neuter-Release
programs.
Trap-Neuter-Release Program
A Trap-Neuter-Release program or TNR, is a program designed for animal rights
advocates to locate a feral cat colony, humanely trap the cats, take them to a veterinary to
vaccinate against rabies, 2distemper, and other infectious and fatal diseases, spay or neuter the
2

Distemper is a viral disease of some animals, especially dogs, causing fever, coughing,
and catarrh.
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

cat, and release the animal back to their original location. According to a Detailed Discussion of
Feral Cat Population Control, by Anthony LaCroix, TNR first became popular in the 1990s as a
humane way to control the population of feral cats. The usual identifier of these cats is their left
ears are 3tipped. This allows the 4colony manager, to identify which cats are sterile. By applying
a TNR program these cats are able to live healthy lives free of disease at the same time that they
stop reproducing.
What Method of Population Control of Feral Cats is More Efficient?
Trap-Neuter-Release vs. Trap and Kill
Controversy surrounds methods for the humane, practical, and most effective way of
controlling feral cats. In the research by Crawford and Levy (2004), the controversy of this grass
rooted issue is compared between those who would advocate for a TNR program and those who
consider feral cats a nuisance. Some animal welfarists believe that the feral lifestyle is too
fraught with potential risk to be acceptable and recommend preemptive euthanasia of cats on the
basis of their lack of ownership rather than on evidence of current suffering (p. 1357). Others
believe that feral cats should be grouped with other wild animals such as deer, and birds, instead
of grouped with domesticated animals.
This hotly debated animal control issue can be narrowed down to two main programs for
the control of feral cats, Trap-Neuter-Release vs. Trap and Kill. The removal of cats by simply
3

Tipped or clipped
4

A colony manager is a citizen that feeds, monitors, and manages the feral cat colony
through TNR.
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

trapping and euthanizing would be effective, but logistic barriers and public opposition would
make such strategies in populated mainland areas unfeasible (p. 1357). The magnitude of the
population problem cannot simply be solved by means of poison, hunting, trapping, euthanasia,
and introduction of infectious diseases. Feral cats are extremely prevalent in urban areas were
people have a high degree of public affection for feral cats (p.1357).
According to a Detailed Discussion of Feral Cat Population Control, by Anthony
LaCroix, there are two main grounds that TNR proponents argue against eradication. The first, is
that they believe that eradication is inhumane and unethical, when they whole reason there are
feral cats is because of human behavior. Second, is the 5vaccum effect this leads to the location
to be repopulated by cats that are seeking the food source that the original colony left behind. In
conclusion, if a TNR program is properly managed then colony altered cats remain to protect
their food source, yet they do not reproduce (LaCroix, 2006).
How do Other Major Cities in the State of Texas Deal with this Issue?
Given that the control of feral cat population has been hotly debated for about 25 years,
many policy makers have faced pressure by advocates of the ethical treatment of animals.
Organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and the Humane
Society, have been pressuring policy makers to change the law. The State of Texas is no
exemption in a 2003 session they changed their policies on euthanasia to ensure that it was being
done in a humane way,
5

Vaccum Effect - caused when individual cats are removed from their habitats, their food
source remains available, yet no longer protected. This attracts cats from surrounding areas to
move in and claim their food source.
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

Sec. 821.052. METHODS OF EUTHANASIA. (a) A person may euthanize a dog or
cat in the custody of an animal shelter only by administering sodium pentobarbital.
(b) A person may euthanize all other animals in the custody of an animal shelter, including birds
and reptiles, only in accordance with the applicable methods, recommendations, and procedures
set forth in the 2000 Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia
as modified or superseded by a subsequent report of the American Veterinary Medical
Association Panel on Euthanasia that is approved by the board (TX Health and Safety Code,
2003).
Austin, Texas
The state statute has the guidelines for animal control, and delegates the rest of the
responsibilities to each municipality. In the capital of Texas, Austin, the Humane Society leads
the pack in advocacy. In their website they have a section just on feral cats and an application on
how to apply to be a colony manager. The tag line reads, Your participation reduces the number
of cats entering our citys shelter, and provides for a happier and healthier life for the cats
(Austin Humane Society, 2012). In Austin, they have been increasing efforts to keep their citys
feral cat population controlled. Efforts are being continued to make sure that a whole section of
the City Code is dedicated to the protection of feral cats.
On the opposing side there is a website for AA Animal Control, that offers to trap feral
cats and dispose of them accordingly. In their website they have information on how to remove
the cat from an area and how to take it to the right authorities for possible euthanasia. They have
a written statement regarding the matter, Every now and then I get an angry email from a cat
lover for advocating the trapping and removal (and possible future euthanasia at the animal
shelter) of stray cats. Some people advocate spay-neuter-release plans. I've heard mixed
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

arguments regarding this method (AA Animal Control, 2015).
El Paso, Texas
In El Paso, Texas there is a campaign by Pets Alive, (2015). They have a website
dedicated to the instructions to properly and humanely do a TNR program. They have teamed up
with veterinarians around town to give vaccinations and spay/neuter feral cats. This shows that
the attitudes towards the ethical treatment of animals are strong in the region. Compared to the
websites for the City of Austin, El Paso still lacks in advocates and presence in legislation.
Are Citizens Liable for the Humane Treatment of Feral Cats?
With the recent wave of led by advocates of the ethical treatment of animals. One of the
main arguments in against euthanasia is that the reason why feral cats were put in an area has to
do with the irresponsibility of the citizens of that area. According to the article by Morris, RuchGallie, Salman, and Zawistowski on Population Dynamics, Overpopulation, and the Welfare of
Companion Animals: New Insights on Old and New Data (1998), Americans profess a great
love for their companion animals...However, each year, many millions of dogs and cats are
brought to animal shelters, where the majority are euthanized (1998, p. 2) Many people
consider their pets to be belongings rather than living organisms and dispose of them at their
liking when things are not as expected. With many cats that are abandoned this is the case; when
they go from a domestic state to abandoned they become feral cats, and join a colony. In this
colony they are able to survive amongst other cats that were either abandoned or born feral. If
this was able to be traced to a specific human then it would be their particular responsibility to
care for an animal they once had ownership of. This is not the case, therefore it is the
responsibility of the community that surrounds the colony of feral cats. The community must
understand that these animals were left to fend for themselves after they suffered abandonment
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

from a human being.
Pet Owners
Both sides of the debate over feral cats, TNR vs. Trap and Kill, can both agree on the root
of the problem, pet owners. The first point both sides agree on, according to the Detail
Discussion of Feral of Feral Cat Population Control by Anthony LaCroix (2006), is ..That the
behavior of cat owners toward their pets must be addressed in order to get this problem under
control. There would be no feral cats without careless or irresponsible pet owners who either
purposely or inadvertently allow their unaltered cats to roam free or "dump" them. The potential
for unaltered cats to reproduce in exponential numbers when supplied with a sufficient food
source is staggering, (2006). This is a call to the municipalities to implement ordinances,
Pertaining to the licensing, sterilization, and control of pet cats, (2006). Feral cat colonies
usually exist in places where there is human supplied food.
This is another point where both sides of the argument agree on. According to the Detail
Discussion of Feral of Feral Cat Population Control by Anthony LaCroix (2006), The
population number of feral cats is a function of the amount of food available to them, (2006).
This is saying that there is a correlation between colonies that are constantly being fed and an
increase in cats in a colony (when cats are unaltered). When there is a shortage of food cats do
not reproduce as often, and there is less overpopulation.
The lives of these cats are directly attributed to human lifestyles, carelessness, and
neglect. Feral cats tend to locate around trash cans as they know that there is human food left
over that they could eat. Municipalities must move to eliminate open containers from open
garbage to help control the population (LaCroix, 2006). If it were not for human mistakes feral
cats would not be around. Humans should be liable for these cats and should not move towards
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

eradication, but rather towards an ethical management through TNR programs to help eliminate
overpopulation and euthanasia.
In conclusion, this literature review researched areas that are relevant to the population
control of feral cats. It is the ethical responsibility of the citizens of El Paso to find a way to
humanely find a solution for these cats. The following four questions focused the researched
towards topics that the reader may encounter in the future or have an opinion on now:
1. What programs are available to humanely control the population of feral cats?
2. What method of control of feral cats is more efficient?
3. How do other major cities in the State of Texas deal with this issue?
4. Are citizens liable for the humane treatment of feral cats?
From the research gathered, it seems that overpopulation of feral cats is an issue that has affected
our environment for many years, but the root of the problems leads back to humans. The lack of
concern for the environment carried out through years has caused cats to over breed and then be
abandoned. Citizens then feed these feral cats with our open containers in open garbage, and
directly by leaving food outside for them without actually making them pets.
Our actions allow these cats to live in urban and suburban communities, and these actions
are the cause of them reverting back to a wild state. Human beings should be liable for the
ethical treatment of cats. The best way to help control the population of feral cats seems to be a
Trap-Neuter-Release program where volunteers properly oversee the cat colonies. These cats get
to live longer, healthier lives, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers nationwide.
A recommendation for future research would be to find the influence past lobbying groups have
had on legislators. The only way to protect and maintain the feral cat population with certainty,

Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

would be to pass laws state and local wide to keep humans from treating the feral cat population
unethically.

Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

References
Animal Welfare Organization Permit. El Paso, TX. Mun. Code. 7.14.090 (2011, August 30).
Retrieved June 16, 2015, from
https://www.municode.com/library/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?
nodeId=TIT7AN_CH7.12DOCA
Care For Cats - Conduct Trap-Neuter-Return. (2015). Alley Cat Allies. Retrieved June 11, 2015,
from
http://www.alleycat.org/Trap-Neuter-Return
Crawford, C, & Levy, J. (2004, November 4). Humane Strategies for Controlling Feral Cat
Populations. Animal Welfare Forum. JAVMA, Vol. 225, No. 9. Retrieved June 16, 2015, from
https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_225_9_1354.pdf
Disposition of Unclaimed Impounded Animal. Austin, TX. Municipal Code 3-1-26 (1992).
Retrieved June 16, 2015, from
https://www.municode.com/library/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?
nodeId=TIT3ANRE_CH3-1GEPR_ART3ANSH_S3-1-26DIUNIMAN
Feral Cat Program. (2015, January 8). Pets Alive El Paso. Retrieved June 16, 2015, from
http://www.petsaliveelpaso.org/feral-cat-program.html
Feral Cat Program. (2012, March 20). Austin Humane Society. Retrieved June 11, 2015, from
http://www.austinhumanesociety.org/ferals
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 821. TREATMENT AND DISPOSITION OF
ANIMALS. Texas State Ann. 821.052 (1989, September 1). Retrieved June 11, 2015, from
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.821.htm
LaCroix, Anthony E. (2006). Detailed Discussion of Feral Cat Population Control. University of
Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.

Population Control of Feral Cats Without Euthanasia

Michigan State Law. Animal Legal and Historical Center. Retrieved June 16, 2015, from
https://www.animallaw.info/article/detailed-discussion-feral-cat-population-control
Morris, Julie, Salman, M.D., Ruch-Gallie, Rebecca, Zawistowski, Stephen. (1998, March 1).
Population Dynamics, Overpopulation, and the Welfare of Companion Animals: New Insights on
Old and New Data. Journal of Applied Animal Science. Volume 1, Issue 3, 1998. Retrieved June
16, 2015, from
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327604jaws0103_1
Pacelle Wayne. Statement on Euthanasia : The Humane Society of the United States. (2013).
Retrieved June 11, 2015, from
http://www.humanesociety.org/about/policy_statements/statement_euthanasia.html
Stray Cat Control & Removal. (2015). AA Animal Control Professional Trappers. Retrieved June
16, 2015, from
http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/howtogetridofstraycats.htm

Authors Note
This paper was prepared for RWS 3355, Workplace Writing, taught by professor Solis AlTabaa.