BETHESDA, Md., July 23, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Alley Cat Allies (ACA) today announced the 2007 National Cat Advocacy Seminar to be held in Washington, D.C. on October 12 and 13, 2007. Join Alley Cat Allies, the nationally recognized experts on improving the lives of outdoor cats, to learn how you can unite and mobilize to make nonlethal policies and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) the norm.
TNR has been used in the United States for two decades. Millions of cats have been helped by private citizens. Yet, the largest documented cause of cat deaths in the United States is by our animal shelters and facilities where more than 7 out of 10 cats -- owned, stray, and feral -- are intentionally killed.
This seminar will cover topics from the best methods of feral cat care to learning how the law supports our goals to reform animal control policy. Topics will include:
* Unraveling complex and conflicting animal ordinances * Conflict resolution and mediation to protect cats * Changing the government's perception of caregivers * New and successful TNR programs carried out by animal control * Humane education is essential to TNR * Learn how you and your vet can increase the number of cats you help * Veterinary protocol: what do feral cats need?
The seminar will focus on how to understand ordinances, effectively communicate your message to animal control agencies and elected officials, and develop a TNR program that serves both the cats and the people.
ACA's Cat Advocacy Seminar is designed for feral cat advocates, shelter employees and volunteers, rescuers, and all others who want to change our country's animal control system and improve the lives of domestic cats. Through grassroots efforts, the feral cat movement has grown into a powerful force that elected officials recognize. But the truth is, our efforts can never fully succeed without bringing government into the process.
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION: www.alleycat.org/va-seminar.html (240) 482-1980 $55 Registration Fee (lunch included) Early Registration: $35 (ends August 17)
WIN FREE REGISTRATION AND HOTEL!
Have you used our materials to advocate for feral cats in your community? Whether you changed the mind of one neighbor or helped start a TNR program, we want to know how you used our materials to make a difference. The authors of the two best essays (limit 300 words) will receive free registration to the Cat Advocacy Seminar and hotel accommodations for two nights.
Send essays to alleycat@alleycat.org. Deadline: August 12, 2007.
About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies (ACA) leads the national feral cat movement by advocating for humane, nonlethal animal control policies toward cats nationwide and promoting Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), the only method proven to reduce feral cat populations. Founded in 1990, ACA is based in Bethesda, MD, with more than 147,000 supporters. To learn about Alley Cat Allies, visit www.alleycat.org.
The Alley Cat Allies logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1922