One of the most interesting success stories for Alley Cat Allies is the Atlantic City “Boardwalk Cats Project.” According to Alison Grasheim, Deputy Director of Communications for Alley Cat Allies, their organization has been caring for the feral cat colonies of the Atlantic City Boardwalk as part of a city-supported Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program since the year 2000. The feral cats on the Boardwalk are not socialized to people and cannot be fostered or put up for adoption. Therefore, they live healthy, natural lives in their outdoor home along the Boardwalk.
As the story goes, it all started when animal control ordered that the feral Boardwalk cats be trapped and killed. Alley Cat Allies took action after learning of this order and formed the “Cat Action Team” with Atlantic City’s Health Department, the Humane Society of Atlantic County (HSAC), and local advocates. The group began a highly successful pilot program led by Alley Cat Allies using Trap-Neuter-Return, community involvement, and public education to save the lives of the 200 cats at risk.
The “Boardwalk Cats Project" continues to receive support from Atlantic City’s local government. Many businesses along the Boardwalk also support the effort, and the public helps with frequent donations of cash and cat food.
The cats on the Boardwalk are looked after by a group of dedicated volunteers and staff of Alley Cat Allies. “They are fed on a coordinated schedule and have comfortable, warm outdoor shelters for colder months,” said Alison Grasheim. “The caregivers also work to keep the boardwalk beautiful, hosting regular clean-up days to pick up litter and debris.”
Boardwalk visitors are discouraged from feeding the cats, and signs are posted indicating that only project-coordinated volunteer caregivers can feed the cats. Also, a cat owner cannot simply abandon their pet on the Boardwalk without penalty. The signs explain the laws and penalties around abandoning pet cats at the site, so there is no mistake regarding policy.
Atlantic City joined Alley Cat Allies’ “Every Kitty-Every City” program in the fall of 2008. This program rallies support, raises awareness, and provides resources for implementing Trap-Neuter-Return and accessible, affordable spay and neuter services for all cats in Atlantic City. The cats can be pet, stray or feral.
Thanks to the dedication of all involved, today the Boardwalk is a happy home to approximately 175 neutered cats living in stable colonies and monitored by devoted caregivers.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help with our projects and events,” said Amanda Casazza, the Alley Cat Allies Atlantic City Program Manager. “A Volunteer Application is available online along with an outline of ways you can help.”
Alley Cat Allies also offers adoptable cats online. Volunteers looking after the feral colonies are occasionally approached by stray cats who are friendly to people. Because these stray cats are already accustomed to living in homes, they are placed in foster care and put up for adoption. View available cats online here.
Stay tuned for updates on feral cat rescue in Atlantic City and throughout New Jersey.
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