Professional, ethical, and legal dilemmas of trap-neuter-release.

A lthough some have portrayed the current feral and abandoned cat trap-neuter-release (TNR) controversy as pitting cat haters against cat lovers, this is not the case. Those opposing TNR and the proliferation of free-roaming cats consider domestic cats to be important and valuable companion animals to the pet-owning public and their families. What opponents of TNR object to are cats in the wrong places doing destructive and undesirable things. The domestic cat evolved from African and European wild ancestors (Felis silvestris) into what is now considered a separate species (Felis catus). Natural predators, cats came to this country with European immigrants several centuries ago. 1 For this reason, cats are variously and correctly identified as nonnative, exotic, introduced, alien, foreign, or invasive species. Invasive species are defined as " species (animals, plants, microbes, etc) alien or nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. " 2 Discussions regarding the impacts and welfare of free-roaming cats should be viewed with these facts in mind. Substantial numbers of groups and individuals believe that programs variously identified as trap, test, neuter, vaccinate, and release (TTNVR), feral cat altering programs (FCAP), and TNR are the key to reducing the burgeoning numbers of free-roaming cats in this country. Citing failures of animal-control agencies and traditional removal methods to adequately address problems associated with unconfined cats, TNR advocates and their supporters have become more active and visible during the past decade. Although TNR advocates and opponents share a common belief that neutering programs and education of cat owners and advocates are paramount to effectively dealing with unconfined cats, they have areas of philosophic and practical disagreement. Veterinarians are faced with professional, ethical, and legal dilemmas and responsibilities when considering potential solutions to the free-roaming cat problem. Professional Dilemmas Other associations' perspectives—The veterinary community should carefully consider the recommendations of other professional organizations that have a vested interest, as well as technical expertise, in potential solutions to the problem of free-roaming cats. Although well meaning, many advocates of TNR lack professional training in the biological, ecologic, and wildlife sciences. Consequently, they may misunderstand , minimize, or choose to ignore documented concerns regarding the ecologic, domestic animal and public health, legal, humane, and social nuisance impacts of feral cats, including those in TNR programs. Professional and lay organizations have been concerned with …