The Problem with Strays in Arizona (1)

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Arizona State University *

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Dec 6, 2023

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Chavez 1 Jaden Chavez Alana Brussin English 101 December 1, 2023 The Problem with Strays in Arizona In the whole of the world, including our own Arizona, there is a continuous epidemic of stray animals suffering on the street. There are several factors that go into this, such as abandonment, generational feral colonies, and a worsening economic atmosphere that may not allow for the extra cost of a pet. Of course, one person alone cannot fix these systemic issues, but there may be something we can do to help . There is a program called TNVR, which stands for “Trap, neuter, vaccinate, release/return.” And by making them more widespread, supporting these programs financially, and getting more people involved; this can mitigate the issue of the stray population. First, let us talk a little bit more about what TNVR is and what the goals of these programs are. As stated previously TNVR stands for “Trap, neuter, vaccinate, release/return.” This name is a variation on the original acronym TNR,” Trap, neuter, release/return.” The original goal of TNR programs was to reduce the number of kittens and puppies being born from strays, and to save the already homeless animals from possible infections of the reproductive organs such as ovarian cysts. Eventually, another need became apparent. Stray animals are more exposed to disease, this can be painful or life threatening for an animal, but also for us humans. When a sick stray or their feces encounters you or your pet, that disease may be transferable. Thus; The introduction of the V in TNVR programs.

Chavez 2 For anyone with a heart, these programs sound like an easy decision for every community. So, why is there a good chance this is the first time you hear of these programs? Even the most pet-loving individuals may be unaware of these because they do not have the time to learn, listen, and help in their local community. If you cannot volunteer, knowing about these programs and spreading the word to others who may have been unaware could be a step closer to saving the strays. The type of positive change that can come from a neighborhood, not just vets, but a city of compassionate people who know who to give a call to if they see a cat colony, or a stray wandering about their street. Most of these, however, as you will come to find, are simply TNR. These programs are still essential to the well-being of strays. But as you have come to understand, vaccinations are the next step. Arizona is extremely lacking in this field, as I could not find a single credible program that also vaccinates. How do we as individuals help change this unfortunate fact? By making them more widespread, supporting these programs financially, and getting more people involved. To get more people to know about the TNVR is the first step, which can be achieved in a multitude of ways. Posting on social media is a very popular method. Articles shared on Facebook, Instagram, and even directly sent to your neighborhood friends can help spread the word of the TNVR programs. Arizona, specifically, has several organizations willing to help. One you may know of is the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, another that may be more obscure is the Animal Defense League of Arizona, for a third there is also the AZ Care Rescue.

Chavez 3 All three of these websites have sections where you can learn more about donations and volunteer work. By donating both time and money to these organizations we financially support them and get involved with making a real difference to the stray population as well as fighting those diseases they can pass to other strays and household pets. These three steps, sharing information and articles to our local sources, donating money to the organizations, and volunteering to help execute the TNVR programs is the ultimate goal in mitigating the stray population. We as the animal loving people of Arizona are the only ones that can take the next step towards adding vaccinations to existing TNR programs. For the safety of them, us, our pets. Spread the word to anyone who may be unaware, if you are unable to volunteer or donate the knowledge you share can reach somebody who may be able to. Read about the policies being proposed, debated, and set for vote in our state government, the policies on strays have been set to vote before and you can be part of that decision. As I conclude my point, I would like you to imagine your beloved pet. The one you have now, the one you grew up with, the one you saw in your neighbor’s yard every morning, the one you hear barking somewhere in the distance as you are trying to sleep. The animals of Arizona deserve better than to be ignored and left to the disease of the street. That compassion you feel can be turned to action. That action can be turned into care. By yourself or by the professionals you have the choice to call. TNVR programs are the long-term solution to the ongoing problem. Few problems have this opportunity to have a clear path to betterment and have been a documented success. In Florida after just four years of implementing the TNRV program, no new kittens were born, and at the end of the study, the overall population of cats had decreased by 66%. Over 80% of the

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Chavez 4 cats had been residents for more than six years, showing that TNVR keeps colonies stable and healthy year after year, a success story I believe can and should be replicated for the benefit of every human, as well as every stray, in Arizona.

Chavez 5 Works Cited Roebling, A.D., et al. “Rabies Prevention and Management of Cats in the Context of Trap– Neuter–Vaccinate–Release Programmes.” ASU Library , 3 Jan. 2013, Accessed 11 Nov. 2023. Schaffner, , J. E., et al. “Sustaining Innovation in Compassionate Free-Roaming Cat Management Across the Globe: A Decadal Reappraisal of the Practice and Promise of TNVR.” ASU Library , Dec. 2019, Accessed 11 Nov. 2023. Levy, Julie K., et al. “Evaluation of the effect of a long-term trap-neuter-return and adoption program on a free-roaming cat population.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association , vol. 222, no. 1, 2003, pp. 42–46, https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2003.222.42.

The Problem with Strays in Arizona (1)

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