MAFRA to enhance effectiveness∙expertise of feral and stray cat neutering
Public Relations Division
2023.03.13
135
Effectiveness of managing feral and stray cat populations will be enhanced. The period of contracting out sterilization of local governments will be permitted to be within 3 years, and TNR will be conducted at the end∙beginning of the year (2024) TNR* will be applied to cat colonies (Project to TNR outdoor cat colonies will be expanded) (2023~) * TNR (Tap-Neuter-Return): To capture feral and stray cats and neuter and return them afterwards 「Guidelines for taking care of feral and stray cats」 including sanitation management of feeding areas will be devised and training will be provided (Second half of 2023)
Improving selection criteria for neutering operators and strengthening capabilities Strengthen management and supervision by specifying capture and release procedures and educating catchers (2024) Improvement of animal hospital selection (lowest bid system → qualitative/quantitative evaluation), introduction of best practices * (2024) * Discovery of best practices (2023): (e.g.) Participation in projects of local branches of the Korean Veterinary Medical Association, direct management of TNR by local governments, etc. A survey of all local governments to improve the quality of the entire process of capture-surgery-post-treatment (2023)
Improving expertise in the sterilization surgery process Training of veterinarians participating in TNR (obligatory once a year), designation of excellent hospitals (2024, in cooperation with the Korean Veterinary Medical Association) Supervised by the Korean Veterinary Medical Association, preparing Neutering surgery guidelines (late 2023) Strengthen training for public officials in charge at local governments to improve the quality of animal hospital inspections (late 2023)
Formation of unified opinions on welfare of feral and stray cats and establishment of governance Establishment of the “(tentatively named) Feral and stray Cat Welfare Improvement Council”, discussion and consultation on major issues (in 2023) * Composed of experts on feral and stray cats from animal protection groups, veterinary associations, and academia ** (UK) Formation of ‘The Cat Group’ to establish a unified opinion on cat welfare and management Voluntary neutering surgery for feral and stray cats by the Korean Veterinary Medical Association and animal protection groups, and promotion of education and publicity (in 2023)