In a recent government meeting, community members discussed the ongoing efforts to manage the feral cat population in Columbia through a program focused on trap-neuter-return (TNR) initiatives. The program aims to humanely address the issue of unspayed and unvaccinated feral cats by tracking, vaccinating, and sterilizing them before returning them to their original locations.

Since its inception, the program has successfully treated 354 cats, with 70 of those being processed this year alone. The initiative has partnered with the Columbia Animal Shelter, allowing it to operate under the shelter's umbrella and streamline its efforts. The program's coordinator highlighted the importance of community involvement and the need for financial support to continue its operations, estimating a budget of $42,100 for the upcoming year to cover the costs associated with treating an additional 168 cats.

The meeting also addressed logistical challenges faced by the program, including the need for reliable housing and transportation for the cats during their recovery. A partnership with CleanRight has been established to provide a secure space for the cats, which has improved the program's efficiency.

Community members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of addressing the feral cat issue while also ensuring responsible pet ownership. The program's volunteers have been instrumental in its success, and the coordinator emphasized the need for continued funding to maintain and expand their efforts in the coming year.