TNR in Fairbury has taken wings..or is trying to/breaking ground.
Late in June 07', Marta Gasper answered an ad in Fairbury Journal News calling people interested to work in TNR in the community. Ever since she and Pat Welke_responsible for the ad and other Fairbury resident,_along with co-workers have formed F.A.F. (fix-a-feline) cat rescue.
They are supported by police authorithies and Fairbury Board of Health that are concerned stray animals are hosts of rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
So far a few cats have been rescued, vetted and are in foster care. Plus they have been approached by neighbors who in other circumstances would call the police to shoot annoying strays.
It is and will be an ongoing effort and with exception of individual cases (Pat has rescued and adopted strays, currently is fostering a kitten and working with a stray cat) and TNR ( the feral colony and environs she and her husband Jon take care of, as well as in Marta's neighborhood) no major cases have been undertaken. As of this day, that is. Pat, Marta and Jon are tending to 9 loosely owned cats that could have a farm home after medical treatment. Or be adopted out to individual homes, must evaluate them first.
Neighbors are approaching them almost daily with reports of cat hoarding and "feeders only" situations.
Dr. Stewart at Fairbury Animal Clinic has agreed to give a discount to TNRers and farners willing to take ferals and hard strays.
A major store will donate food as well as litter and supplies to foster homes. So it seems the project is on their way.
The City invited F.A.F. to discuss a TNR pilot program later on this month.
Bravo F.A.F. for a good beginning, it is up to everybody now that this program can be a reality across town and surrounding areas.