Trap–Neuter–Return Overview and Area Plan
📍 Where It’s Happening:
We’re starting in the village center of West Paris and expanding zone by zone.
The map below shows our initial target zones:
Metal Yard
Village Main Street (200 Block)
Briggs St & Ext
Mountain View Apartments
Trapping will begin in the village core, focusing on the orange-shaded area (200 block of Main Street), then continue to adjacent zones as resources allow.
What Is TNR?
TNR stands for Trap–Neuter–Return. It’s a humane way to manage the community cat population. Here’s how it works:
- Cats are humanely trapped
- They’re spayed or neutered and vaccinated (rabies + distemper)
- A small portion of their left ear is tipped to show they’ve been through the program
- They are cared for during recovery based on veterinary guidance
- Then they are returned to their original territory
This process helps stop new litters from being born and improves quality of life for the cats and the community.
Why Is This Happening in West Paris?
Due to limited response from residents and property owners, only partial data could be collected—but based on observations and reports, there are likely over 100 unowned or loosely owned cats in the village area alone. Most are not fixed or vaccinated.
Unmanaged, these cats continue to reproduce. Kittens often suffer from illness, parasites, and exposure. Adults are at high risk for disease, injury, and road danger. TNR addresses this at the root, humanely and cost-effectively.
When Is This Happening?
We’re starting with these trapping dates (weather and logistics permitting):
🗓 June 3–4
🗓 June 11–12
🗓 June 17–18
🗓 June 25–26
Traps will be set early in the morning. Cats will be transported for surgery, monitored during recovery, then returned.
How You Can Help:
✅ Keep your personal pets indoors during trapping days
✅ Stop feeding community cats the night before trapping
✅ Don’t disturb traps or interfere with operations
✅ Volunteer to monitor traps, transport cats, or donate supplies
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will the cats come back?
Yes, and that’s the point. Cats that already live here will continue to do so—but they won’t breed, and they’ll be vaccinated.
Q: Why not just remove them?
Removing cats causes a “vacuum effect.” New cats move in, and the problem starts over. TNR is the only method proven to reduce population over time.
Q: What about kittens?
Kittens too young for surgery are placed with foster homes or rescues when possible. If still nursing, they’re monitored and may be trapped later with mom.
Q: Can I get help fixing a cat I feed?
Yes. Reach out to me directly or through dispatch and I’ll do my best to include them.
Q: Will this cost taxpayers money?
No. The program is volunteer-driven and grant-supported, with no cost to the town.
Q: I want to help. What do I do?
Call dispatch at 207-743-9554 (option 0) or message me directly.
Let’s work together to reduce suffering and prevent endless litters.
Every fixed cat means fewer born into hardship. 🐾
