The Big Fix In The Hamptons

Originally Posted: November 09, 2012

Four animal welfare organizations on eastern Long Island are teaming up to conduct a mass trapping for community (feral) cats on Sunday, November 18th, 2012. The four participating organizations are Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc., Bideawee, Kent Animal Shelter and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Named "The Big Fix", the goal of the day is to get 80 cats neutered and vaccinated as part of an ongoing TNR (trap, neuter, return)

A veterinarian and a team of volunteers will be stationed at each facility to process the cats and the treatment for each cat will include neutering, vaccination against rabies and distemper and an ear tip to identify the cat in the future. Volunteer trappers will trap the cats at colonies in Riverhead Towns, Southampton and East Hampton and then bring them to the nearest facility for treatment.

TNR is the nationally recognized, humane way to control community cats. Neutered cats in managed colonies are healthy and no longer reproducing and objectionable behavior such as spraying and yowling cease after neutering. Over time, the managed colony decreases in size until all the cats have passed on.

Pam Green, Executive Director of the Kent Animal Shelter commented "Our funding for this important project is being provided by a grant from PetSmart Charities. Kent will work closely with S.A.V.E.S. to spay and neuter feral cats in several locations in the Riverhead community."

Donald Bambrick, the Animal Shelter Supervisor for Southampton Town stated, "TNR is the official policy of the Town of Southampton for feral cats. With cat and kitten numbers at capacity at our shelter, TNR is important to keep feral cats and their offspring out of the shelter."

Nancy Taylor, the Executive Director of Bideawee said, "Bideawee is thrilled to be involved in the Big Fix. We look forward to a successful day".

Anyone with knowledge of an unmanaged colony of cats is encouraged to call Rita Del Rey, The Operation Cat Coordinator for the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons for information on how to participate

Dr. Sarah Alward will be heading up the surgical team for ARF, Dr. Teri Meekins for Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Dr. Melissa Young for Bideawee and Dr. John Berger for Kent Animal Shelter.

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Nicole is the Editor-in-Chief of Hamptons.com where she focuses on lifestyle, nightlife, and mixology. She grew up in the Hamptons and currently resides in Water Mill. www.hamptons.com NicoleBarylski NicoleBarylski