Since 2001, Minnesota Spay/Neuter Project has worked in partnership with local animal shelters, veterinarians, and other non-profit animal welfare organization to spay and neuter over 5000 pets in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Most of the animals in need of spay/neuter help are cats because there so many cats. With the introduction of the Trap-Neuter- Release programs in the 1970s, stray and feral cats are now given a chance at life. It’s an improvement over extermination, and a step in the right direction. But TNR is really not a good long-term solution to the problems associated with cat colonies.
TNR is ineffective. Although well intentioned, it is a futile attempt to eliminate overpopulation of cats. It is difficult, if not impossible, to assure that every cat is sterilized and vaccinated, resulting in an increasing or stagnating population—the opposite effect of what is intended by TNR. To learn more, go to TNRrealitycheck.com.
Cat colonies exist because unknowing people allow their cats outside without supervision thinking they are safe. Unfortunately, cats may wander too far and become lost and never find their way back home.
The main source of cat colonies are cats that are allowed to roam free. MSNP created a flyer that highlights the many risks to cats roaming free. You can download it here: Keeping Cats Inside Campaign and post it wherever you see free roaming cats or postings of missing cats. Since licensing and 
leash laws are effective for dogs, laws for licensing and harnessing and safe enclosures for cats will reduce the formation of cat colonies.
Minnesota Spay/Neuter Project 