TNR: Past, Present and Future: A History of the Trap-Neuter-Return Movement

by Ellen Perry Berkeley

A complete history of this most humane, effective, and economical method of controlling feral cat numbers. Comprehensive and authoritative, yet accessible and readable. Helpful to anyone concerned about feral cats in any way. Useful in enabling TNR advocates to reach out to people not yet "on board." Contains excellent rebuttals to arguments about the supposed damage by feral cats to bird populations. Provides solid proof on the advantages of TNR from the most recent academic research and from the careful reports of public agencies and private organizations worldwide.

99 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kim Stallwood]

This is a very readable and useful introduction to the issue of feral cats and the TNR solution to the various problems associated with feral cats and their colonies. Of course, the problem isn't so much with the cats but our perception of them and their place in our society. This is an ideal book for anyone regardless of your starting point to learn quickly about feral cats and what should be done to help them.

[Peacegal]

This little book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in feral cat care, or even just interested in the issue. Published by the nonprofit group Alley Cat Allies, TNR explains the history and methodology of “Trap, Neuter, Return” which has been shown to be the only humane and successful way of controlling feral (wild) cat populations. Helpfully, the author also offers responses to common arguments made by opponents of TNR.

The only concern I have about this book is that some of the information is outdated. For instance, the author repeatedly names the Humane Society of the US as an enemy of TNR. This was at one time true. But with new and more progressive leadership has come an about-face on the issue. . I hope that this book will eventually be updated in future editions.

I purchased this book for my library. I’d suggest other cat lovers do the same—the information has the potential to help a lot of felines at the local level.

[Emelda]

While I was inspired by most of this book, I did get bored in a few places. Besides that, it has great, great arguments as to why TNR (trap, neuter, return) is the best solution to the people-created problem on feral/neighborhood cats- for humans, the environment and, of course, the cats themselves.

I think my favorite part was a quote attributed to Cole McFarland: "Well-intentioned people argue that it is our humane responsibility to kill ferals kindly, rather than let them face the rigors and perils of an uncertain future. When I observe a recently caught feral cat, cringing in terror in the corer of its cage, I see a being not altogether unlike myself. If I were that feral- facing an immediate, albeit painless death, or a chance at life- replete with all the perilous uncertainties it olds- I would choose life. And so for these ferals, I can choose no less."