Perry County board considers a TNR push, estimates 25 animals for first sweep

Members of the Perry County Animal Welfare Control Board discussed trap-neuter-return (TNR) as a strategy to address the county’s feral and stray cat population. Speaker 3 described past local TNR efforts and advocated meeting with residents in the target area to gain buy-in and reduce return rates.

Operational scope: The board said Molly has about 15 traps, the group has roughly a dozen carriers, and a realistic first-round TNR might handle around 25 animals. Speaker 3 cautioned that TNR requires planning for transport, personnel and follow-up visits: "That's gonna take planning... it's not something we say, we're gonna do it tomorrow." The board also discussed collaborating with nearby counties and shelters for transport and veterinary care.

Costs and animal care: Board members noted humane-society partners can help with medical costs and that quarantine or euthanasia decisions remain based on veterinary assessment. Speaker 1 said the humane society keeps animals until healed before returning them as appropriate; euthanasia is considered a last resort.

Next steps: The board said it will create a planning timeline, seek donations and partner support for traps and veterinary care, and aim to schedule a coordinated TNR event once volunteers and logistics are confirmed.