Li'l Help With TNR?

Posted: 30 Oct 2008 08:57 AM CDT

Here's the situation: 20-30 cats, the majority of whom are black, and many of whom are tiny kittens, live in an abandoned building next to our gorgeous Community Foundation building in the downtown area of West Palm Beach, a block from the Intracoastal (the waterway between West Palm Beach and the island of Palm Beach). When you drive into the parking lot, you have to be very careful not to hit one as they're just milling about.

Upon asking, I was told that there were two failed attempts at TNR, but I'm not sure what that means and will investigate further today. Someone told me the cats are the City's responsibility (the City of West Palm Beach). I have no idea if that's true. A colleague from the documentary project is happy to do some of the work (she lives nearby and I don't), but I have no idea where to start.

Before I do the research myself (Alley Cat Allies?), I thought it best to simply ask you what I need to do. Do I need permission of any kind? Where do I get the traps? Is 20-30 cats a lot? Do I have to coordinate with the City? Should I just raise some money to pay for one of those mobile spay/neuter rigs? Nanci Alexander of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida was going to be my first call, but I just found out that for financial reasons she had to cut the program and she has donated the truck to PETA. I already called two local "humane societies" who said they don't do that work (they do, however, kill animals, as neither is a no-kill). How much does this cost? How many people do I need?

Li'l help?