Dear      :

I was very disappointed and concerned after hearing that the feeding of feral cats has been banned in [location]. / I was very disappointed and concerned after hearing that you plan to trap and kill feral cats in [location]. Feral cats are the offspring of abandoned domesticated cats. As with any domesticated animal, these cats sometimes need the assistance of compassionate people.

The trap, alter and return (TAR) method of caring for feral cats was developed in England in the 1970s and is the most effective method of stabilizing and maintaining healthy feral cat colonies. Feeding bans and trap-and-kill plans do not work. When feral cats are removed from a location, new cats will eventually move in. The cats that are not removed will continue to breed. TAR is not only the compassionate way to deal with feral cats; it is also the most cost efficient solution. The money that would be spent on killing colony after colony of cats could be better utilized by altering the cats and allowing a responsible caretaker to provide meals. The cats will remain healthy, they will no longer breed, and new cats will not come into the area. For more information on the TAR solution for feral cats, please visit Alley Cat Allies at http://www.alleycat.org/.

TAR is the only long-term method proven effective in reducing stray and feral cat populations. It can be carried out with no cost to taxpayers and there are caring, experienced feral cat rescue workers willing to assist. It is the only credible method for decreasing cat populations.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning of your compassionate decision.

Sincerely,

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