DeBary makes feral cat trap-neuter-release program permanent

DeBary's City Council voted to make its trap-neuter-release (TNR) program for feral cats a permanent permit ordinance, according to WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando. This move formalizes about 10 years of work initiated by Councilmember Patricia Stevenson before she leaves office.

The TNR program involves volunteers trapping feral cats, having them surgically neutered by the Central Florida Community Pet Clinic, and then returning them to their original locations. The clinic carefully matches each cat to its trap before and after surgery and provides a dedicated recovery area nicknamed "the Beach."

Volunteers hold the cats during their recovery period before releasing them back, ensuring their health and safety. The program aims not only to manage cat populations but also to reduce nuisance behavior and protect public health, Stevenson explained.

Stevenson helped launch a nonprofit and expand the volunteer base to scale the effort, allowing quick responses to requests for cat trapping. So far this year, volunteers have trapped 160 cats or kittens in DeBary.

With the new permit ordinance, the program transitions from a passion project to a permanent city policy. Stevenson said she plans to remain involved with the organization she helped build even after her council term ends.

This ordinance affects DeBary residents and reflects ongoing community efforts to humanely manage feral cat populations in the Orlando area.