(CN) TNR in Guangzhou

[Guest guest]

Getting street smart in Guangzhou

http://www.animalsasia.org/blog/

 

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 02:00 AM

Street cats in Guangzhou (the cat-eating capital of China) have a second

chance thanks to an amazing group working there on the ground (helped by

much-needed funds from Animals Asia).

 

Previously, as the population of strays began to grow, residents were

complaining about the noise and the smell, and many took the matter into

their own hands by killing the cats.

 

Enter Xixi Cat volunteers who literally scooped these animals off the

streets, and took them to local vet, Dr John Wu, for a quick de-sexing

surgery, before releasing them back into the community. So far, 28 neutered

cats have been put back on the streets and a recent survey now shows a

staggering 96% support for the trap, neuter, release programme from the

local residents! Please [see below] to read more about this fabulous work -

showing how cats and the community can live in harmony!

 

 

Guangzhou TNR popular with community

http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=3 & lg=en

 

Xixi expands cat-control programme to new residential area

 

Having successfully launched its trap, neuter, release (TNR) programme in

April, Guangzhou animal welfare group, Xixi Cat, is now expanding the scheme

to a new area.

 

The scheme has been funded by a generous Animals Asia supporter and our Dr

Dog volunteer vet, Dr John Wu, is kindly desexing the cats and treating any

ailments they may have.

 

To date, 29 cats have been desexed in the first residential area, Yi Cai

Garden. One of cats was ill and needed surgery on his leg; sadly he did not

recover and was euthanised.

 

So 28 cats were returned to the residential area and all are doing well

under the care of local residents.

 

A follow-up survey conducted by Xixi Cat showed that 96% of residents

supported the programme and more than half thought the neighbourhood

environment had improved since it had been introduced. Just over half of the

respondents were aware of the scheme.

 

Through this program, a lot of the residents have changed their attitudes

towards stray cats. One old lady who didn't like cats asked the Xixi

volunteers not to release the cats back after desexing them. But after being

told that the cats would help control the rat population in the area, she

changed her mind.

 

Seeing the cats released back to the neighbourhood healthier and happier

than before, local cat lovers that had been suspicious about the programme

were convinced and provided Xixi volunteers with information about the

undesexed cats in the area.

 

Christie Yang, our China Relations Director said: " So the programme not only

helps cats avoid unnecessary suffering, but it is also a great opportunity

to educate people about how stray animals can benefit the community. "