Ferals Have a Friend in Lexington

TNR by Blue Paws Rescue now recognized.

Provided courtesy of Sally Lucker, Blue Paws Rescue

For those that don't know, I live out in Lexington and about a month ago, I learned that the City Council members were discussing the number of feral, stray and free roaming cats in town. Because of some resident complaints, the Council was contemplating what to do about the City's growing number of feral cats. They had considered various solutions to the problem, but from what I'd been told, they weren't getting very far and were leaning towards trapping and euthanasia.

Long story short, I spoke with the Lexington Animal Control Officer (ACO) and the Chief of Police and provided an overview of the TNR (trap, neuter, return) program. After explaining TNR and the overall, long term successful reduction of cat population numbers, they were open to more discussions, but first, I had to get the City Council on board with the idea.

Leticia Stivers of Austin Humane Society attended the first City Council meeting with me and presented the TNR solution to them. (I so hate public speaking and was so worried about messing up, I can't say enough how WONDERFUL Leticia was!! A HUGE thank you goes to Leticia for taking the time to go all the way to Lexington and speaking on behalf of the cats).

All but one City Councilwoman were open to using the TNR approach, especially when I told them it would NOT cost the City any money!

This past Wednesday was the 2nd City Council meeting, which I attended alone. Here is the AWESOME news!! They are GOING with TNR! Currently I have an informal verbal agreement between Blue Paws Rescue and the City of Lexington. I will be taking private requests for TNR assistance and almost all of the cats will be returned to their colonies. However, for those few that MUST be relocated, the City is actually providing safe haven for relocation!! We (Blue Paws Rescue) will provide food and water at this location.

I am so very excited and right now quite proud to be a resident of Lexington!

Sally

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• The acceptance of TNR in Lexington is wonderful news; however, this success will put a strain on the fledgling organization. All donations are greatly appreciated. They are in need of live traps, large crates, clip-on food and water dishes, cat food, and large “ferret-type” cages to house kittens.
• Donations can be made to Elgin Veterinary Hospital to the Blue Paws Rescue account to help with the cats’ medical costs.

For more information:

Blue Paws Rescue
PO Box 454
Lexington, Texas 78947
E-mail: bluepawsrescue@gmail.com

• Best Friends Feral Cat Program Community
• Feral Cat Resources

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff
Photo credit: Jane shown in the lead photo is one of the many loving cats and kittens available for adoption from Blue Paws Rescue, provided courtesy of Sally Lucker.