Bloomfield TNVR Program Helping To Fix Feral Cat Issue: Officials

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield municipal officials recently reported that at least 125 feral cats have been humanely neutered so far in 2017 by the Bloomfield Animal Shelter.

The shelter – which has been operating under the purview of the Bloomfield Police Department since last summer - is operating with more resources and a renewed mission to Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR), officials announced earlier this month.

The shelter’s TNVR policies involve humanely trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, vaccinating them against rabies and other common illnesses, and returning them to their outdoor “home” if they cannot be adopted.

According to municipal officials, funding for the town’s TNVR and other shelter operations comes from Bloomfield Township and Supporters of Bloomfield Animal Shelter (SOBAS), as well as state grants and donations from People for Animals, Inc. (PFA), an independent New Jersey based nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1980.

The Bloomfield Animal Shelter signed a $10,000 contract with the PFA for training services and assistance trapping and releasing the feral cats. The contract does not include the cost of neutering and spaying, which are performed by local veterinarians, Bloomfield officials said.

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“Feral cats, unlike stray abandoned cats, tend to have never been socialized to people, and more often carry diseases, making the vaccination efforts crucial to preventing the spread of diseases to outdoor pet cats, dogs, and even people,” Mayor Michael Venezia stated.

“Stray cats can also become feral over time as their connection to humans diminishes, which makes finding good homes for these vaccinated cats a top priority of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter,” Venezia said.

Resident complaints led to the Bloomfield Police Department performing “extensive research” on how to deal with feral cats, Director of Public Safety Samuel DeMaio said. Ultimately, the BPD decided on the new TNVR program.

“The Bloomfield feral cat problem is one we cannot ignore, and will continue to dedicate all available resources to reversing,” DeMaio said.

• See related article: Bloomfield Cat Rescue Prepares To Bid Town Farewell

The Bloomfield Animal Shelter is located at 61 Bukowski Place in Bloomfield, and can be reached at (973) 748-0194. To report a stray or injured animal, call the Bloomfield Police Station at (973) 680-4141. To report cat colony locations, call Valerie Wilson of the PFA at (973) 282-0890, extension 222. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to donate to the Bloomfield Animal Shelter, visit http://www.bloomfieldshelter.com

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