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Currituck County Animal Services encourages citizens who care for feral cats to join the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. The TNR program is a cost-sharing initiative that uses humane strategies intended to stabilize feral cat colonies and eventually lower the county’s feral cat population through spaying and neutering, noted a Currituck County news release.

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners appropriated $20,000 to fund the TNR program and address concerns brought forth by citizens.

“Starting a TNR program is a vital way to protect the health and safety of our wildlife populations. Feral cats need veterinary care, human supervision, and oversight to prevent long-term issues and explosive growth. The program also provides an opportunity for the county to partner with nonprofits and veterinarians to provide these services at a fraction of the cost,” said Selina Jarvis, Currituck County commissioner.

To participate in the TNR program, citizens who provide food, water and/or shelter for feral cats must register with Animal Services as a feral cat caregiver. Caregivers will collect feral cats in humane traps provided by Animal Services for transport to the veterinarian. After the cats receive veterinary care, caregivers will return the cats to the location where they were originally trapped.

Currituck County is partnering with Eastern Shore Animal Hospital in Grandy to provide spaying/neutering services, rabies vaccines, vaccinations for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia, ear-tipping and post-operative pain medications. Each package of feral cat veterinary care costs $125, of which Currituck County will contribute $100, and citizens will pay $25.

Additional responsibilities for caregivers include reporting instances of bites or scratches, notifying Animal Services of colony locations, checking cats for signs of ownership, adhering to feeding guidelines, and keeping the cats’ area free of trash and waste.

Interested citizens may contact Currituck County Animal Services at 252-453-8682 or visit the Animal Shelter for assistance. Information and registration forms for the Trap-Neuter-Return program are also available at currituckcountync.gov.

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