TNR Program

The TNR (trap, neuter, release) Program enables City residents to borrow live traps from the Midland Animal Services. They can humanely trap community cats, have them spayed/neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped (to indicate they have been fixed), and then release them back to the area where they were trapped.

Community cats, often known as strays, neighborhood cats, or ferals, live outdoors without a singular owner, thriving in territories supported by various residents. Unsterilized, they proliferate, leading to issues like spraying and fighting. Removing them exacerbates the problem due to the vacuum effect, where new cats take over the vacated territory, increasing the population. The humane response is Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR), sterilizing and vaccinating them before returning them to their territory, effectively managing populations and behaviors.

The TNR Program now allows City residents to borrow live traps and obtain a voucher for spay/neuter services. After trapping and having community cats spayed/neutered and vaccinated, owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination within 30 days for the voucher to be redeemed. This change aims to continue supporting the humane management of community cat populations, encouraging responsible pet ownership.