To the editor:
My family and I have been rescuing cats in Hillsborough for many years. Like many surrounding communities, Hillsborough has a growing problem with stray cats.
They are cats that are dumped by their families and begin to breed. Eventually, they become feral (wild) animals. They form large groupings called colonies and can be a nuisance and present potential health risks by feeding out of Dumpsters.
The problem has become endemic and something must be done.
Our community of Hillsborough needs an animal shelter – no-kill, of course – desperately. Also, a humane approach must be taken to manage colonies. I feel a spay/neuter return policy must be implemented.
This is an idea begun a few years ago by an organization called Allie Cat Allies. The cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, given shots, and released where they had initially been trapped. Each cat’s ear will be clipped to identify that they had been previously treated.
Sometimes the cats must be relocated to safer areas. Kittens from colonies will be taken, habituated to humans and adopted out with a clean bill of health. These measures have worked in controlling the feral cat problems in close-by communities.
My family and I are asking for this community’s support. Many of you have already adopted our cats into your homes. Some we helped with relocating and sterilizing feral cats. There are so many people who have adopted cats from other cat rescue organizations.
Please show your support by writing to Mayor Tricarico of the Township Committee. Remember, there may be a time when you may need our assistance.
Carolann Honcharik
Carol’s Cats
Woods Road
Belle Mead
