Thursday, October 1, 2026
The increasing stray cat population in the Town of Hempstead has moved officials to unveil changes to the its Trap, Neuter, Release program.
After Labor Day, a new addition will be added to the TNR program, a vehicle to mobilize the town’s animal shelter to affected areas.
“Today, we're announcing the return of our mobile trap, neuter and return program, that's TNR,” appointed Supervisor John Ferretti said at Rath Park in Franklin Square on Aug. 26. The park is home to many feral cats. “An important initiative that addresses the feral and stray cap population in a way that is both humane and effective.”
As feral cats cannot be placed for adoption due to being conditioned to the outdoors, this will allow the town to assist with preventing overpopulation and reducing strain on the animal shelter. Officials said the cats will be trapped humanely and community members can rent traps.
After they are safely caught, these cats will then be neutered and released upon recovery, which is no more than 48 hours.
The TNR program returns after several years to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. The town did not comment as to why the program was gone for a period of time.
“This program is to come out to the community, not just have trappers have to come to Wantagh to do it, so it's more accessible for the people in the community, But as far as when it stopped being on the road, it's been years. Seven or eight summer years,” said Ashley Behrens, director of the town’s animal shelter.
Franklin Square, Floral Park, Lawrence, Levittown, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Seaford and Wantagh are the communities that will targeted by the town vehicle for the remainder of the year. The animal shelter will also be expanding its availability from three days a week to four.
“The cats are allowed to recover on site in a controlled environment. Then they return to the exact location they were found where they can live without adding to the overpopulation property,” Ferretti said.
Have an opinion on the town’s expansion of its Trap, Neuter, Release program? Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.
