Advocacy: Materials

VIDEO

• Trap-Neuter-Return:  Fixing Feral Cat Overpopulation  (DVD, 16 mins.)

Produced by The Humane Society of the United States and directed by Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats, this video is intended to introduce TNR to government officials, shelter executives and other policymakers.   In a succinct yet comprehensive manner, it explains what TNR is, how feral cat overpopulation impacts the fields of animal control, public health, wildlife and animal welfare, why traditional methods of feral cat control typically fail, and how TNR can help.  Case studies of successful TNR programs are also presented.  

The video was awarded a Muse Medallion as Best in Category (Video, DVD or Televison Production) by the Cat Writers Association in their 2008 Annual Contest.  It is part of Effectively Managing Feral Cats,  a CD/DVD set from The Humane Society of the United States available at a cost of $9.99.  Click here to order a copy.

WEBINAR

• Persuading Municipal Officials to Go with TNR

To view the webinar, click here (in the lefthand menu click on "Recorded Sessions")
To download the slides, click here (ppt, 2.6 MB)

Presented by PetSmart Charities and instructed by Bryan Kortis.  This webinar focuses on practical techniques for persuading municipal officials to implement TNR programs.  Topics include evaluating local laws, gathering necessary data, identifying effective arguments and avoiding ineffective ones, countering calls for feeding bans or trap and remove efforts, and responding to common questions about liability, public health and wildlife concerns.

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

• Trap-Neuter-Return: An Introduction (ppt, 3.5 MB) click here

Created by Neighborhood Cats, this Powerpoint presentation can be used as an educational tool to introduce newcomers to TNR or for presenting TNR to policymakers.  The following topics are covered:

1. Definition of Trap-Neuter-Return.
2. The impact of feral cat overpopulation on animal shelters, public health, wildlife and animal welfare concerns.
3. Traditional approaches to feral cat management and why they fail.
4. The advantages of TNR and examples of successful programs.
5. A list of resources for learning more about TNR.

WRITTEN PRESENTATION

• Sample TNR Policy Presentation (doc, 1 MB)  Click here

This 23 page article was authored by Neighborhood Cats and can be used as a template for written presentations about TNR to municipal and shelter officials.  All  major policy issues are addressed with exhaustive references to academic research and other writings.   The article identifies (with red font) the places where you should insert facts and figures unique to your community, allowing you to customize the presentation.  Portions can be excerpted as well.  (Note: this presentation was authored in 2004 and has not yet been updated.)

FLYERS

• Promote TNR

Love Cats (pdf file)  
Hate Cats (pdf file)
These flyers feature comic strips created by Slope Street Cats.  Bring the TNR message to cat lovers and haters alike in an entertaining and engaging format.  Insert the name and contact info for your organization at the bottom.

Neighborhood Cats Basic Flyer - English (doc)
Neighborhood Cats Basic Flyer - Spanish (doc)
Replace our info with your organization's name and contact info.

• Stop Poisoning or Other Acts of Cruelty
  

Stop Poisoning Poster:

• English (pdf)
• Spanish (pdf)
• Russian (pdf)

This flyer is based on New York State law and is meant to act as a deterrent to a poisoning or other cruelty threat.  You should adapt the flyer to reflect the act of cruelty you're concerned about (poisoning, shooting, etc.), the maximum penalties in your jurisdiction and which agencies to contact.

We suggest printing the flyers on bright pink paper, then distribute throughout the neighborhood in question.  One word of caution - use these flyers only if there is a substantial basis for believing a poisoning or act of cruelty could happen or has occurred already.  Don't put these flyers out simply because there is some hostility in the neighborhood towards the cats.   Especially when the cats are not neutered, a degree of hostility is normal and you don't want to needlessly plant any bad ideas.