Volunteer urges county support for trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program to curb community-cat problems

Heather Green, a volunteer with the Troup County Animal Coalition, urged the Meriwether County Board of Commissioners to back a Trap‑Neuter‑Vaccinate‑Return (TNVR) program to address the county's community‑cat problem.

"TNR is the best course of action for community cats because it ends the constant breeding cycle," Green said during a presentation to the board. She described her experience with nearby programs and told commissioners that volunteers and partner clinics have already trapped, neutered, vaccinated and returned more than "well over 200 cats." Green said the program could be implemented through grants and partnerships and would not require county funding if outside grants are secured; she noted a Department of Agriculture grant application closing June 15.

Green walked the board through how a TNVR operation runs — traps set the night before transport to clinics in the morning, post‑op care in traps overnight and return to the original site the next day — and listed partners and resources she has lined up, including local rescues and transport volunteers. She also cited animal-health problems in resident colonies and the short reproductive cycle of cats as reasons the county should consider supporting a restarted program.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about costs, clinic partners and volunteer capacity. Green said she had identified two grant opportunities and that Best Friends Animal Fund had local contacts who could advise Meriwether County organizers. The board did not take immediate formal action but was presented with the proposal and the grant deadline flagged for follow-up.