The feral and stray cat solution

Dear Editor:

Nearly 10 years ago, my husband and I retired from full time work in Chester County and relocated to Schuylkill County. We have never regretted the move. The people here are nicer, the surrounding areas more beautiful. I find fault with only one thing; the animals which I feel make the best people companions, cats, with few exceptions, are treated in an abysmal fashion. This despite the hard work of the people at the various shelters, dedicated animal lovers such as Gloria - (like Cher and Madonna, Gloria doesn't need a last name to be recognized.) I would therefore like to make a few suggestions.

Ask for the support from the local supervisors in educating the public, make people award of their responsibility in having their pets, barn cats and ferals, spayed and neutered.

Elect/volunteer, etc., but get a good planner; someone who is capable of giving direction without giving offense. Someone whose stature screams out organized.

Ask for volunteers to become Monitors wherever a colony might be developing. the monitor's duties would include feeding and watering on a daily basis.

You will need several teams of people willing to trap and transport the cats to the veterinarians and return them to the colony after they have been spayed/neutered and given their shots.

Some rough shelter must be provided, and of course, permission must be asked of the supervisors and local police must be notified, before a single step can be taken.

None of these suggestions are new. Many people in major cities all over the world are working with TNR, just as described above. And, I believe so strongly in this humane solution, I would like to be your first volunteer to trap and transport cats, and hopefully raise some funds, as well.

Patricia McDermott-Rose

New Ringgold