TNVR (Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return) Program was not one of the original goal(s) of SNKI.
[Update: As of Dec 31, 2018, SNKI no longer oversees the City of Kingston’s TNVR program. TNVR continues to be a concern for SNKI.]
The TNVR program started in 2010, in Kingston, with the Bath Institution Feral Cat Colony which was slated to be euthanized. Due to a successful and intense media campaign by SNKI, this colony was saved, is now completely stabilized (all cats spayed/neutered) and is being “managed” by one of the inmates.
The City of Kingston approached SNKI in February of 2014 and asked us to implement the TNVR portion of the R.P.O.P. A total amount of $25,000 has been budgeted for the first year (2014) with funding available for spay/neuter and vaccinations only. As SNKI is already running an effective TNVR Program, we are very much aware that there are other costs associated with optimal colony health. To that end, SNKI is covering all costs for flea treatment, treatment of minor injuries and major injuries (based on vet recommendation and as our funding permits) as well as any necessary testing.
In 2014, the City of Kingston committed to exploring the long-term vision of establishing a cost-efficient, dedicated low-cost spay/neuter clinic operated in partnership with animal welfare stakeholders. Following the success of the 2014 City of Kingston TNVR Program, SNKI ran the City’s program up to 2018. As of Dec 31, 2018, SNKI no longer oversees the City of Kingston’s TNVR program.
SNKI continues to advocate for the implementation of a real-world solution to pet overpopulation. Successful communities have responded to this need by establishing a high volume reduced cost, spay/neuter clinic. While TNVR remains a very important tool to help control the feral cat and pet overpopulation, it remains a bandaid solution.
Overseeing the City’s TNVR program for four years has been very rewarding and demanding. It is, indeed, a full-time administrative position. We’d like to take this time to thank our volunteers for all the hard work and efforts put forth to make this program such a success. SNKI continues to support our own TNVR services and colony management. It is our hope that the City of Kingston, community leaders, area vets and our local animal welfare shelter will join together to provide the only real solution to pet overpopulation, a high-volume reduced-cost, spay/neuter clinic.
1347
TNVR Count
644
Adoptions (cats & dogs)
175
Managed Colonies
To date, SNKI has fixed almost 2000 cats/kittens while keeping these “at risk” kitties out of the shelter system. Feral cats and kittens do not do well in the shelter environment and are generally euthanized. SNKI continues to care for all its current colonies.
City of Kingston:
In 2014, here’s what the City of Kingston had to say about joining forces to address Kingston’s TNVR program…
Update: As of Dec 31, 2018, SNKI no longer oversees the City of Kingston’s TNVR program. We wish the City continued success with the program.
