Volunteer group credits DeBary support for trap-neuter-return successes; city affirms partnership

Bonnie Beal, speaking for Not Their Fault Feline Foundation, described the DeBary Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program and thanked the city for equipment and microchip scanners that helped reunite lost pets.

Beal said her team has “successfully spayed and neutered over 150 community cats” this year and found homes for more than 50 friendly strays since summer 2023. She added that the group secured liability insurance and gained access to an adoption habitat at Petco in Orange City.

“TNR is the most humane and effective solution to managing community cat problems and populations,” Beal said.

The City Manager (name not specified) thanked the volunteers and described them as unpaid community partners: “These are all volunteers, and supporting them is just our privilege. And, what they're doing for our community is remarkable.” The manager said staff has observed volunteers working late at night and praised their partnership with the city.

Beal introduced members of the DeBary TNR team by first name—Robin, Taylor, Michelle and Roar—and invited questions; a resident later asked for more information about the program. The council did not take formal action on the presentation. The TNR remarks came during the public-participation portion of the meeting.

City staff said they will continue to provide traps and equipment and highlighted microchip scanners as a tool that helped several reunions. The group requested continued collaboration; staff signaled ongoing operational support but no funding decisions were made at this meeting.

The exchange documented active volunteer engagement and a city role in providing equipment and referrals for adoption.