Truth or Consequences commission hears presentation on community-cat program as animal-control code is revised

Tyler, a Best Friends Animal Society representative, told the Truth or Consequences City Commission that community cat (trap-neuter-return) programs are a "common sense, cost-effective solution" to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia and urged the commission to add community-cat protections to the draft animal control ordinance. "They're now saving over 90% of the animals in their care and they're achieving what we call no kill status," Tyler said, noting Best Friends has provided funding, staff training and transfers to support the local shelter and estimated about 180 stray cats had entered the shelter so far in 2025.