Brookhaven Town Renews Agreement With Feral Cat Trap, Neuter, Release Program

FARMINGVILLE, NY — Brookhaven officials on Thursday renewed its authorization of the Trap, Neuter, and Release Program as a public good program so that volunteers are covered under the town's insurance carrier for spay and neuter events to reduce the feral cat population.

As part of the Public Good Program, the town can co-sponsor community events providing residents with educational, cultural, historical, and humanitarian benefits that are provided by a community-based group or organization with limited financial resources and hold the group harmless.

People taking part in the program are considered town volunteers and are provided coverage under the town's workers' compensation program and Public Good Program insurance.

TNR Program Jenny Luca told the town board that 1,675 cats were neutered or spayed between 2021 and 2022.

"It's reduced the feral cat population and the amount of unwanted litters by the thousands," she said. "While doing trapping in our community, if kittens are found or friendly cats are found, they're put up for adoption or they are given to other rescue organizations to get them adopted out."

The organization estimates that over 700 cats and kittens have been taken off the streets in the past two years.

Councilman Neil Foley, who sponsored the resolution, described the group's work as "an act of love."

Supervisor Ed Romaine said that if the organization needs anything more, "more will be given."

"Great work; we want to reduce the feral cat population," he said. "It's the only kind thing that can be done for animals."