Volunteers Sought for 'Trap, Neuter, Release' Program

Township officials are seeking residents who can provide volunteer support and donations to the Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) Committee in the continuing effort to manage feral cat colonies in Brick.

The TNR program, which got its start in Brick in 2010, involves trapping stray cats, sending them to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, then releasing them. It is intended to be funded through donations and fundraising, officials have said.

Volunteers would assist with "colony caretaking," fostering cats, planning and coordinating trapping efforts, transporting cats to and from veterinarians, adoptions, fundraising and more, said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis in a statement Thursday.

"Colony caretakers" are volunteers in town who are responsible for getting the TNR program started in their neighborhoods. The colony caretakers must take classes to learn about the program and how it is administered. After cats are spayed or neutered, the colony caretakers look after the cat until it is released.

Additionally, there is a need for food and supply donations including crates, cleaning materials, cat litter and similar items, officials said.

"Since 2010, the TNR Committee has worked with shelters and residents to identify the colonies and remedy this situation in a way that eliminates health threats to our neighborhoods, while also acting in a manner that is humane,” said Acropolis. "Volunteers and donations are critical to this effort."

In August, it was decided that veterinary medical services for the program would be conducted by the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township. The zoo's services were approved by the township council for a one-year contract, with payments on a per-cat basis.

The TNR Committee meets ar Brick Township Civic Plaza on the third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Its next meeting will be this coming Monday, Oct. 15.

Anyone interested in volunteering can attend a meeting. For more information please call 732-262-1076 or email miannarone@twp.brick.nj.us.