Brianne Tushaus balances her day job in supply chain management with a passionate mission: trapping and neutering feral cats in south Minneapolis. Last year alone, she trapped between 150 to 200 cats within a two-mile radius of her home, ensuring they are spayed or neutered before being returned as community cats—a process known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
Tushaus, along with nonprofits like Pet Project Rescue and Bitty Kitty Brigade, advocates for TNR as the solution to feline overpopulation. Pet Project Rescue handles about 500 TNR procedures annually, underscoring the effectiveness of this approach.
However, the recent decision by the Animal Humane Society (AHS) to start charging $75 per cat for TNR services beginning July has posed significant challenges. This change, part of AHS’s effort to address a $3.5 million budget shortfall, has placed a strain on resources crucial for managing feral cat populations.
AHS CEO Janella Dixon defended the decision, emphasizing the necessity to balance financial constraints while continuing to serve animals. Despite the financial burden on activists like Tushaus, Dixon reiterated AHS’s commitment to maintaining their TNR program, aiming for 1,000 surgeries annually.
In response, animal welfare advocates are rallying for support, urging donors to bridge funding gaps crucial for sustaining TNR efforts. With a target of $25,000 to support summer operations and plans for long-term sustainability through grants and state programs, these organizations remain dedicated to their mission amid financial challenges.
As the community grapples with these changes, activists stress the ongoing need for TNR as a humane and effective strategy in managing urban feral cat populations across Minneapolis.
