South Bend's answer to stray cat population

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Councilwoman Valerie Schey authored a major overhaul of the city's old animal care and control ordinance. One of the changes is a Trap-Neuter-Release policy. Many hope this will reduce the number of animals in local shelters.

In this new bill, the people of South Bend can decide to become responsible for the stray cat population and hopefully reduce their numbers.

There are 50,000 stray cats in South Bend, according to Becky Kaiser who's working with local animal advocates.

These animals are not only overcrowding the streets, space at the local shelter is running out.

"Shelters around the city, shelters around the country, have a big problem with over-packed population of cats," says Matt Harmon, Shelter Manager at South Bend Animal Care and Control.

Kaiser is working with Animal Care and Control and the Michiana Feral Cat Initiative to make Trap-Neuter-Release a win-win for everyone.

"Cats who have been TNR'd are ensuring that they are not spreading illness in our neighborhoods," says Kaiser.

TNR is run by South Bend residents and volunteers. Anyone can choose to be what's called a colony caretaker which means they take responsibility for feeding cats and making sure they have water.

If you would like to learn more about adopting a cat, click here.

If you're interested in being a part of the TNR initiative, click here.