1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 419.626.

6220

TNR Agreement
OBJECTIVE: The Humane Society of Erie County (HSEC) supports the concept of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the best method currently available to handle feral cats. In borrowing a trap from the HSEC, the Borrower agrees to use it for the purpose that is intended. An additional, acceptable use would be the humane trapping of a sick or injured cat with the intent to provide appropriate medical care by a licensed veterinarian or humane euthanasia by a certified person. Traps are NOT to be used for the relocation or killing of nuisance cats or other animals. Misuse of the trap(s) provided constitutes a violation of this agreement, resulting in the HSEC repossessing said trap immediately and possible forfeiture of the deposit money. LIABILITY The Borrower assumes all liability for the handling of the trap and the management of animals caught in it. The HSEC provides a list of resources for the Borrower to contact for assistance in handling any non-target animals trapped by accident. It is the Borrowers responsibility to contact and pay any outside personnel contacted for assistance. It is understood that feral cats and wild animals may bite, scratch, and otherwise create a nuisance or danger to people and should be handled with proper training and caution. The HSEC is not responsible for handling these animals safely; it is up to the Borrower. TNR: The concept of TNR includes a colony manager. Cats that are trapped and altered are to (in general) be returned to their original territory, where there is a caregiver willing and able to monitor the colony and provide food, water, and (where necessary) shelter. This may require coordination with neighbors or other able caregivers to maintain continuity of care for the cat(s) handled by TNR. This communication and co-ordination is the responsibility of the Borrower, but proof of such arrangement may be required by the HSEC before the trap is lent. Cats that are surgically altered for a TNR program MUST be ear tipped for future identification. Rabies vaccinations are strongly recommended; rabies is on the rise and a county ordinance exists that states that all cats and dogs are to be vaccinated. Cats and dogs, because of their familiarity with humans, are the buffers between wildlife and humans.

It is the responsibility of the Borrower to make arrangements with a veterinarian for the surgical altering of the cat. This arrangement will be verified by the HSEC before the trap is lent. The cost of the altering (and rabies vaccination) is the responsibility of the Borrower. TRAP RENTAL All Borrowers must first view a video about the philosophy of TNR and have personal instruction in setting and monitoring the trap. A HSEC representative will be available to answer any questions. Knowing your colony and its habits will help you safely and efficiently trap your cat. Some general tips for safe trapping are at the end of this agreement A deposit of $____________cash is required for borrowing the trap. The trap is guaranteed to be is useable, clean condition when it is lent to you. It must be in the same condition on return for full refund of the deposit. A full refund will be the deposit fee less $10 if the trap is returned within 14 days. Keeping the trap longer than the original lending period (whether or not you catch the targeted cat) will result in lesser refunds of $10 for each week that the trap is late. The borrower is responsible for transporting the trap to and from the HSEC shelter during regular business hours unless special arrangements have been made with a regular HSEC representative.

Name and address of Borrower____________________________

______________________________________________________ Veterinarian providing surgery ____________________________ Date video viewed ___________________________ Date trap borrowed___________________ Return Date__________________________ HSEC Representative _______________________________

TIPS FOR TRAPPING CATS FOR TNR

Get the cats used to a set routine for feeding, preferably in a sheltered area. Initially, wire the trap open so it cant close and feed the cat(s) in it. Feeding an aromatic, canned food may help. Once a cat is trapped, it probably wont be easily caught again, so dont set the trap until you are prepared to deal with a trapped cat. On trapping day, follow your regular routine, but set the traps to close when a cat enters it. Monitor the trap frequently so that the trapped cat doesnt sit in an exposed tra p for any period of time. Once the cat is trapped, cover the cage with a lightweight (summer) or heavier (winter) cloth for privacy and set the trap in a sheltered are until transport. Bear in mind that the cat is likely to urinate and/or defecate in the trap. It may try to strike at you through the cage; protect your hands by wearing gloves and/or being careful to pick the trap up by the handle only. After surgery, the cat should be kept in a temperature-controlled area for 24 hours. Cats who have undergone anesthetic cannot properly maintain body temperature until the anesthetic is out of their system. Your veterinarian may allow you to leave the cat at his/her clinic for the appropriate amount of time. Nursing mothers whose litters arent weaned should be kept away from them as short a time as possible. Let the veterinarian know what the situation is; he/she will try to accommodate you as much as possible.