Feral Cat Program Wins State Public Safety Award

Williamson County Animal Control & Adoption Center recently received a Local Government Award from Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC).  Shelter director, Laura Chavarria, along with feral cat program coordinator Amber Mears and Mayor Rogers Anderson received the award at GNRC’s September 18 meeting at the Legends Club in Franklin.

A Public Safety award was given for the shelter’s Trap, Neuter & Release (TNR) program for feral cats in the county. Chavarria explained that “Feral cats are those that have never been socialized, and most often live in colonies on rural property without human contact or dependence.” Chavarria implemented the TNR program in October 2013, and to date 171 felines have entered the program.

“By neutering feral cats,” states Chavarria, “we have an immediate impact on the number of kittens produced and subsequently surrendered at the shelter. It does not take long for a feral cat population to get out of control if not managed under a TNR program.”

The program humanely traps, sterilizes, vaccinates and returns cats to their hierarchical colonies. The cats then live out their lives and serve as natural deterrents to mice, snakes and other vermin. The program is underwritten by a grant, and there is no cost to residents.

Sam Edwards, Executive Director for the Greater Nashville Regional Council, complimented the program, stating “Williamson County continues to be a great example of outstanding innovative efforts in Public Safety for its citizens and for the Greater Nashville Region.”  The GHRC is made up of the thirteen counties and fifty-two cities in the Nashville area.

The council provides planning and other assistance to member governments in economic development, transportation, solid waste, loans and grants for water and sewer systems, housing, small business, loans, tourism promotion, air quality and services for senior citizens.

Williamson County Animal Control & Adoption Center at 106 Claude Yates Drive in Franklin is open for adoptions from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MondaythroughFriday, or 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. onSaturdays. For more information, call (615) 790-5590, visit www.adoptwcac.org  or like Williamson County Animal Shelter on Facebook.