How It Started
In 2015, LAPS began a pilot Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) project. Through this initial project, LAPS documented, spayed/neutered, and provided daily care for a feral cat colony of more than 200 cats in rural Langley. Since launching the project, LAPS has continued to address the challenges of cat overpopulation in Langley through several TNR projects in the community. Our goal is to improve the lives of community cats and their relationship with the community.
What We Are Doing
TNR has been proven to be the only effective and humane approach to controlling community cat populations all over the world. Using this approach, the team at LAPS traps community cats and takes them to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Once the cat has recovered, they are then returned home.
Kittens and cats who are friendly and respond well to human interaction can be socialized and adopted into safe and loving homes. With each cat or kitten, we strive to make the best decision possible based on the needs of each cat.
After all cats within the community are spayed/neutered and vaccinated, our dedicated TNR volunteers continuously feed and monitor the colony or work with the property owner to provide support and resources so they can care for the colony themselves. Gradually, the colony population will stabilize and decrease over time.
In addition to our TNR work, we also offer over 200 free spay and neuter certificates to Langley felines each year. By removing the financial barrier for families with cats in need, we can provide an effective solution to cat overpopulation.
Why is a TNR program important?
Currently, there are roughly 22,000 community cats in the City and Township of Langley — most of them unaltered. Approximately 25 percent of cats in households are also not spayed or neutered, adding another 6,000 cats living and adding to the cat population in Langley.
To date, we have spayed and neutered thousands of cats, and of these beautiful felines, we have placed hundreds into loving homes. But there is still work to be done!
Cat overpopulation is a community problem and it will take the community’s help to solve.
Trap Neuter Release (TNR) Request Form
Support for our TNR program is made possible by:
– Township of Langley Community Grant (2006-present)
– CanFel Foundation (2021) – Exciting new projects are underway! Be sure to check back to see what we have been working on.