Don Thompson, J.D., CVPM, is the executive director of the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation based in Tampa, Fla. Thompson has actively addressed the feral cat issue and is not a proponent of Trap-Neuter-Release programs.These TNR programs advocate the re-abandonment of feral cats into the urban setting, which creates a serious public health concern, Thompson wrote in a letter to the Tampa Tribune editorial board in April. He said the Centers for Disease Control and the American Veterinary Medical Association back his statement.ìThese major health organizations advise the prohibition of outdoor feeding because the activity brings other wildlife into close contact with the cats, most notably wildlife such as raccoons,î Thompson wrote. ìRaccoons are the most likely wildlife species to harbor Rabies.îThe AVMA ìencourages and supports actions to eliminate the problem of free roaming abandoned and feral cats Ö (because they) will suffer premature mortality from disease, starvation or trauma. (Feral cats also represent) a significant factor in the mortality of hundreds of millions of birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish (and) pose a zoonotic risk of disease for the public.îThe AVMA recommends the following ordinances to control the feral cat population: ìencourage that owned cats be kept indoors, in an outdoor enclosure, or on a leash. Cats in rural areas must be confined to the property; prohibit public feeding of intact free-roaming abandoned and feral cats; and prevent establishment of managed cat colonies in wildlife-sensitive ecosystems.îHowever, the AVMA does state the following: ìIf managed cat colonies be established, natural or artificial restrictive barriers should be employed to protect both cats and native wildlife.î
