Lancaster, PA (August 10, 2020) –The Lancaster County Community Foundation, in partnership with the United Way of Lancaster County, has awarded the Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster Center with a $3,500 grant to assist with the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) surgeries of community cats in Lancaster.
The funds are being put into action immediately to provide free spay and neuter surgery for community cats in the Lancaster area. Upon usage of the grant funds, TNR surgeries will continue at the PSPCA Lancaster Center for $35.
Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) involves the humane trapping of feral cats, bringing them to a veterinarian to be altered and vaccinated, and after recovery, returning them to their outdoor homes. TNR benefits the community in many ways including reducing the number of stray cats over time; relieving cats of the constant stresses of mating and pregnancy; reduction of mating behaviors including roaming, yowling, spraying and fighting; improvement in cat's physical health; and providing necessary vaccinations including those for rabies and FVRCP. In addition, TNR can help protect the local wild bird population.
The TNR services provided at the PSPCA Lancaster Center will include the spay/neuter surgery, rabies & FVRCP vaccines, ear tipping to denote the cat has been altered and vaccinated, flea and tick treatment, ear mite treatment and ear cleaning.
“We are honored to receive this grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation and begin improving the lives of community cats here in Lancaster,” said PSPCA Lancaster Center Site Director Lindsay High. “It is our hope through this program, and collaboration with community members, that over time we can lower the number of cats in the community in a humane and non-lethal manner.”
TNR services will be scheduled each Thursday through October, or until the grant funding is used, serving 15 community cats each week. Traps will be available to rent for $55 at the PSPCA Lancaster Center. Upon return of the trap, $50 will be returned.
Community members who would like to take part in the effort to TNR cats throughout the region are encouraged to email lancaster@pspca.org to schedule appointments.
About the Pennsylvania SPCA
Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.