Judy Clark, director of Triple R Pets, said the volunteer-staffed, nonprofit animal advocacy organization’s Trap Neuter Return — or TNR — program has resulted in more humane living conditions for the southwest suburban feral cat population.

Last October, the Cook County Board of Commissioners gave further relevance to the group’s work, naming TNR the preferred method of managing the area’s feral cat population. The group also has entered into an agreement with the village of La Grange to assist residents and provide the services.

Q What is the goal of the program?

A The goal of the program is to reduce the overpopulation of cats on the street. We absolutely need to reduce the population because there are so many unwanted pets. If you find feral cats when they are 4 weeks old, these are cats that end up in shelters being euthanized. There’s just not enough homes to go around.

Q Why this method?

A We have found and studies show going after an effective TNR program brings down numbers seen in the shelter system and reduces the number of cats euthanized substantially. Also, cats can live a much healthier life on the street after TNR. It makes sure the cats out there are spayed or neutered, rabies vaccinated and tested for FIV (feline AIDS) and feline leukemia. These cats are out here, and we’re never going to get rid of them, but one of the ways to combat it is to make sure these cats are properly vetted.

Q How many cats has the program helped?

A It depends on how you define the numbers, but directly we’ve done more than 400 cats in the past 18 months. We paid for them and provided the transport. Sometimes there’s a home taking care of a colony of feral cats, or a block or business, and a lot of times we assist the caretaker (in administering the program).

Want to know more?
To find out more about Triple R Pets’ Trap Neuter Return program and other services, visit www.triplerpets.org, or call Director Judy Clark at (708) 829-9371.