Neptune to neuter and release park cats after woman's plea

Neptune Township plans to partner with the Monmouth County SPCA on a Trap-Neuter-Return program to neuter, vaccinate and microchip up to 100 cats per year in Sunshine Village Park, after resident Holly Corbella raised concerns about a growing stray population.

Neptune Township plans to sign an agreement with the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to manage a growing stray cat population in Sunshine Village Park. Officials announced the tentative deal at the March 23 Township Committee meeting. The program would use Trap-Neuter-Return methods to address the population humanely. The effort followed advocacy by resident Holly Corbella, who began feeding and sheltering park cats and raised the issue with township leaders. Key details: - The Monmouth County SPCA would humanely trap, spay or neuter, vaccinate, ear-tip and microchip up to 100 cats per year, and handle transportation. - The service is reported as $80 per cat, with the fee split evenly between the township and the SPCA; officials are still discussing costs if there are more than 100 cats. - The TNR approach returns feral cats to managed colonies while kittens and socialized strays may be placed for adoption through the SPCA. - Holly Corbella created temporary shelters for the cats during severe winter weather, began fundraising for TNR work, and brought the matter to the Township Committee. - Township officials said a TNR program resolution will likely be added to the next committee agenda; if approved, the agreement with the county would be signed. Summary: The agreement is intended to address a burgeoning stray cat population in a humane way and formalize the township's relationship with the county SPCA for trap-neuter-return services. The next formal step is likely a TNR program resolution on the township committee agenda; if the committee approves that resolution, the county SPCA agreement would be signed.