Following recent discussion and public concern about Guthrie’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) process, a local animal advocate has clarified how cats will be returned to the streets without entering private property.
After Guthrie News Page published an article examining questions about property rights and the TNR consent form approved by the city council, Lisa New, owner and operator of Helping Community Paws and Claws, posted a statement on social media detailing the city’s “one-time removal” and release procedure.
According to New, who has worked closely on this ordinance with Mayor Adam Ropp, says cats that are trapped under the city’s option — which allows a one-time removal request from property owners — are taken to the animal shelter. If new cats later move into that same area, those animals will enter the TNR program.
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Under Guthrie’s TNR ordinance, the cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped for identification, and then returned to the general area where they were trapped. However, New said that does not mean cats will be released onto private property.
“When returning TNR cats, Animal Control or the TNR team releases them on the nearest public easement, alleyway, or street area closest to where they were originally trapped,” New said. “This allows us to follow the law, maintain colony stability, and prevent further overpopulation — while fully respecting private property.”
New emphasized that TNR programs are designed to reduce nuisance cat populations and prevent further breeding. She said removing cats without sterilization only worsens the problem, since unaltered animals quickly repopulate an area.
“You will never be able to trap and destroy enough cats to make a difference,” New stated. “By removing tipped-ear cats, you’re leaving the ones who are unaltered reproducing, adding to the endless cycle.”
Guthrie’s TNR ordinance and consent forms have been discussed at length during two city council meetings, with multiple drafts reviewed by staff, legal counsel, and animal advocates. While the city continues to refine details related to private and commercial property, New’s clarification marks the first public explanation of how and where the animals are released under the updated process.
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