Hey remember that report on the cats in Rome, where they had recorded the results of TNR programs from 1991 onwards and found they lead to reduced cat numbers and healthy cat populations that became a tourist attraction?
Well, ABC (US) have done a special on these cats which delves further into the details of how the cats live and what these programs mean to the cats and their caretakers;
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Roman Ruins a Haven for Cats: Felines Find a Sanctuary Set in the Heart of Ancient Roman Temples
My search for the felines began after seeing some calendars and postcards of Roman cats posing at the Coliseum, lounging near the colossal marble foot of Constantine, and napping atop a fallen Corinthian capital.
When Egypt became part of the Roman Empire, the cult of cat-headed goddess Bastet crossed the Mediterranean. Its worship became so popular, overshadowing the reverence of the emperor, that eventually an imperial decree banned all cats.
But some survived. The idea that a few of the descendants still live within the imperial ruins aroused my curiosity.
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So even in Egyptian times when there were no such things as animal welfare laws to be considered, cats still gave government ordered ‘eradicators’ the two fingered salute and went on living their lives. Funny how we’ve not learned terribly much since then.
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Helpers who live in Rome handle the administration, conduct free guided tours of the ruins, and care for sick or injured cats. Other volunteers come from all over the world, some for a few days, some for weeks. They help with whatever needs doing around the no-kill facility and assist visitors.
New cats arrive at the sanctuary almost daily. Each is given a name, then photographed, registered, medically treated if needed, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. If it has a right demeanor, it’s put up for adoption.
Additionally, the sanctuary supports 40 other smaller cat colonies in Rome with food and medical needs.
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The rest of the story is just gorgeous and really worth a read.
These kinds of modern, humane TNR programs should be regarded as the only option for cats who aren’t suitable for domestic homes. It seems bizarre that we have well run and recorded examples of these available to us from all over the world, showing exactly how they benefit cats and communities alike, but our animal welfare groups still support what would seem the least animal friendly at all; a good old fashion Roman cull.
This is such a beautiful story!
I have followed the TNR debate in Australia for a few years. I suspect the reason that TNR has not been really embraced here is that we have a cultural bias against free-roaming cats when compared to many European cultures. And unless TNR can be *proven* as the magic silver bullet, no-one wants to be the first to try it through a major government-backed push. I will continue to watch with interest….