Animal Rights Group Kara: "TNR Program for Stray Cats Easily Abused... Oppose Neutering Cats Under 2kg and Pregnant Cats"

Kara "Weight Criteria for Stray Cat Neutering Program Should Be Maintained"
Warning About Risks of Flank Surgery for Nursing Cats

Stray cats eating pet food by the roadside. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] The animal protection organization Kara has stated that the government’s Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for stray cats needs improvement. While the organization agrees with the government’s efforts to improve the program, it insists that the current regulations regarding weight criteria and the exclusion of pregnant and nursing cats from neutering should be maintained.

On the 24th, Kara positively evaluated the government’s efforts to improve TNR in its statement titled "Animal Rights Action Kara’s Opinion on the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ [Plan to Amend the Notice on the Implementation Guidelines for Cat Neutering Projects (Draft)]." However, the organization criticized the notion that the purpose of the neutering project should be population reduction.

The organization said, "The 'Notice on the Implementation Guidelines for Cat Neutering Projects,' enacted 16 years ago and still in effect, is now being revised after five years. There are clear improvements, such as defining the purpose of TNR as the ecological protection of stray cats, specifying surgical methods in detail, and attempting regulations to avoid neutering during pregnancy and childbirth."

However, Kara criticized that there are still dangerous provisions that regard stray cats as targets for population reduction. They emphasized that the goal of TNR stated in the Animal Protection Act should not be arbitrarily interpreted as population reduction.

Kara stated, "The legal basis for TNR in the Animal Protection Act specifies 'neutering for population control,' and 'population control' and 'population reduction' do not have the same meaning," drawing a clear line against arbitrary interpretation.

Furthermore, Kara stressed that the TNR weight standard should be maintained as it is. They said, "Considering the current reality of TNR, where indiscriminate procedures and weight manipulation of cats under 2 kg are widespread, the 2 kg weight criterion must not be broken. Focusing more on neutering adult cats aligns better with the original purpose of TNR."

They added, "It can be difficult to visually distinguish pregnancy or nursing status when capturing cats. However, if the cat is visibly in late pregnancy or there is individual information available, the principle of not capturing such cats should be strictly upheld."

Kara also warned about the risks of the flank surgical method for nursing cats. Citing an anonymous veterinarian interview, they explained, "The flank surgery involves an incision on the side where the ovary is directly visible, allowing removal of the opposite ovary through traction. In nursing cats, the uterus is thin and weakened, making flank opening and traction unsuitable. The flank area is prone to inflammation, and if the uterus is missed during traction, additional incisions may be required, which is more dangerous."

Kara emphasized the importance of revising the TNR guidelines. They said, "The government is significantly increasing the TNR budget and taking a more proactive approach to solving the stray cat issue than before. Therefore, the proper revision of TNR guidelines is even more critical."

They raised their voice, saying, "Considering the level of awareness about animals in our country and the nationwide cases of TNR abuse, such amendments are prone to misuse and very dangerous. TNR should not become a tool for handling complaints driven by ignorance and hatred toward cats."

Meanwhile, Kara promised, "We will continue to pay attention and express our opinions to ensure that the TNR guidelines align with the goals of life protection and harmonious coexistence."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.