(September 7, 2005)
This coming Saturday, October 15, all eyes (at least the feral ones!) will be on Philadelphia where the 2nd Annual National Feral Cat Summit produced by Neighborhood Cats will take place. In a format that drew rave reviews at last year's inaugural event, the morning session will feature talks by national leaders in the animal welfare field and representatives from some of the most progressive Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs in the country. Following lunch (included in the registration fee of $50), afternoon workshops taught by recognized experts will focus on the nuts and bolts of practicing TNR, whether it's raising funds, building programs or coalitions, or providing colony care.

"As the TNR movement increasingly moves into the mainstream, it's vital for advocates and practitioners of the approach to come together to share knowledge and experience," said Valerie Sicignano, Program & Development Director for Neighborhood Cats. "Thanks to our sponsors, the Summit provides that opportunity to learn and network."

Morning speakers will include Esther Mechler, Founder and President of SPAY USA and an early pioneer of the spay/neuter movement. Esther's keynote address will be on the vital role of TNR in solving companion animal overpopulation. Dr. Margaret R. Slater, DVM, PhD, will present the latest academic research on feral cats and Bryan Kortis will discuss ways to persuade municipal officials to adopt TNR programs. The Regional Report segment, featuring representatives from successful TNR programs, will be introduced by Nancy Peterson, Issues Specialist for The Humane Society of the United States.

Afternoon workshops include PETsMART Charities' Kit Jenkins on obtaining grants for TNR, Neighborhood Cats' Valerie Sicignano on putting together special fundraising events, author Anitra Frazier on feral cat colony care, Bryan Kortis on how to build a community-wide TNR program, and Neighborhood Cats' Meredith Weiss and Emma Cobb on how to TNR entire feral cat colonies at once.

A special workshop on building coalitions among animal organizations to further TNR will feature an accomplished panel of experienced coalition-builders, including Jane Hoffman, President, Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Tara-Derby Perrin, Executive Director, Philadelphia Animal Care & Control, Esther Mechler, Anne Trinkle, President, Alliance for Philadelphia's Animals and Sandra Monterose, National Shelter Outreach, ASPCA. The session will be moderated by In Defense of Animals' Lawrence Carter-Long.

The Summit's Exhibit Hall will showcase the latest equipment and materials available for feral cat caretakers, including IndyFeral's Fabulous Winter Shelter, the Incredible Drop Trap by HubCats' Laura Burns, and equipment from Tomahawk and from Animal Care & Equipment Services (ACES).

This year's sponsors include The Humane Society of the United States, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, In Defense of Animals, Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals, Alliance for Philadelphia's Animals, PETsMART Charities, PETCO Foundation and Art for Animals.

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