Akumal TNR October 2007

We were granted by Humane Society International for area efforts following Hurricane Dean in August 2007. The Costa Maya area was affected on a much larger scale and a separate response was made in way of a spay/neuter clinic that happened in January 2008. Post Dean, the Riviera Maya also saw its share of damage. With the storm surge, our coast and beaches had quite a bit of damage. Animals tend to reproduce at a faster rate after a natural disaster.

The first feral cat trapping program was done in October of 2007. TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release) is the ONLY humane, and effective, way of addressing the overpopulation crisis. Removing cats does not work, this just results in other cats moving into the territory. Generally, the way cats are removed is by poisoning, or some other chemical means which is detrimental to our environment, and its wildlife. It has been proven that TNR is the only long term solution. As we sterilize the cats, they are administered vaccinations against rabies and distemper (which includes 5 highly transmissible diseases – distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia, and parainfluenza). Population stabilization reduces the parasite load which is a public health factor. Feral cats also tend to pray on local wildlife, including iguanas and birds. Population control has a direct benefit to the ecosystem, for the several reasons stated.

In seven years, one female cat, and her offspring, can yield 420,000 cats. With these apparent numbers, it is crucial that the process begin and having our local feral cats healthier, vaccinated and keeping the territory free of vagrants. We intend to continue sterilizing and use the town of Akumal as a model for TNR success.

Cats were trapped near La Buena Vida where there is an apparent over-population problem due to poor garbage disposal providing a food source. This simply attracts a larger number of cats and the food source becomes inadequate for the growing population. As a result, these cats are malnourished and reproducing at an alarming rate. Cats were also trapped near Chomak and Hotel Akumal Caribe, as well as some privately owned homes.

The team consisted of two veterinarians, two trappers and three helpers. In the seven days of surgery, forty-seven cats and two dogs were successfully sterilized and vaccinated in Akumal.

With the purchase of 9 new collapsible traps, it allows us to be more mobile and set these programs up elsewhere. We will begin another TNR program hopefully Summer or Fall of 2008. There are additional plans of working with hotel chains north and south of Akumal, covering a 15-20 mile radius. We will do this in conjunction with the local environmental group, www.ceakumal.org. The hotels are interested in working with us and we are aiming for a Winter 2009 date.