The purpose of the Barnegat Light Trap-Neuter-Return Program
is to reduce the population of feral cats, benefitting public health,
improving the quality of life for Borough residents, and enduring
the humane treatment of feral cats.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ANIMAL CONTROL AGENCY
Any agency or person, including an Animal Control Officer,
authorized by law to implement animal control laws and provide animal
care and control on behalf of the Borough.
ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATION
Any charitable organization whose purpose includes the promotion
of animal welfare and that has been granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
by the Internal Revenue Service.
CARETAKER
Any person who regularly provides food and water to a feral
cat colony.
EARTIP or EAR-MARKED
A method of identifying a feral or stray cat by a notched
or tipped left ear, as performed by a licensed veterinarian.
FERAL CAT
A cat that is not socialized to humans and is not an owned
cat.
FERAL CAT COLONY
A group of feral or stray cats that congregate, more or less,
together as a unit and share a common food source.
FOSTER HOME
A household in which a cat or kitten is temporarily placed
for the purpose of providing indoor shelter, care and, if necessary,
socialization before permanent placement in an adoptive home.
NUISANCE
Conduct by feral or stray cats that disturbs the peace, including
habitually or continually howling or making loud noises, and habitually
and significantly destroying property.
OWNED CAT
A cat that is a companion to a person, is regularly fed and
sheltered in the same person's habitation and carries visible indicia
of ownership, including a collar or tag.
SHELTER
A structure that provides feral and stray cats with protection
from cold, rain and other weather-related elements.
SPONSOR
Any animal welfare organization that agrees to comply with
the requirements of sponsorship set forth in this article.
STRAY CAT
A cat that is socialized to humans and is not an owned cat.
TNR
The method of managing feral and stray cats known as "trap-neuter-return."
TNR PROGRAM
A program pursuant to which feral and stray cats are trapped,
sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, eartipped, returned to the
location where they were captured and provided with long-term care
by a caretaker in accordance with this article.