CNRM

I gave a talk on Kindness to Animals last Sunday, and took the opportunity to introduce CNRM to the audience.
CNRM is one of the main projects of AnimalCare. I tweaked the acronym from the commonly-known TNR which is practised in many countries. TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Release. This means strays animals are trapped using humane methods, neutered and released back to their place of origin.
CNRM (which I coined) stands for Care-Neuter-Rehome/Return-Manage. Here’s where I propose we start by caring for the animal (making friends and feeding). Then, once they trust us, we take them to the vet for neutering. After recovery, we rehome the baby animals and return the adults to their place of origin. But the story does not end there, we manage by continuing our efforts to care for them (feeding and taking them to the vet when they are sick).
C = Care
N = Neuter
R = Rehome/Return
M = Manage
I was inspired by the success of the TNRM in Singapore where after a period of 4 years, they have managed to achieve 100% sterilised cats in certain housing estates. But this was done using traps (which gives faster results) and through the collective collaboration from a team of people in each housing estate. Most importantly, the need to cull stray animals has been drastically reduced in Singapore, and their local SPCA also reported a drop in the number of animals surrendered to the shelters. Please be aware that many shelters euthanise their animals due to overcrowding. It is the babies and elderlies that go first. It’s so, so sad.
So, let’s do something to help the animals, shall we?
I would like to suggest that we start the CNRM on our own street. If we can do that, we are already off to a great start.
Some people might think it is cruel to return the adult animals to their place of origin because strays do lead a hard life. (Adult dogs are easier to rehome than adult cats. Cats are very independent creatures.) But if we have no choice and the animals also may not want to be rehomed, returning them may not be such a bad option as long as we continue feeding and looking after them. They do enjoy their freedom and they are already accustomed to their lifestyle, especially cats. This is what is known as a “managed colony”.
However, we strongly do not recommend returning dogs simply because the local councils might catch them and have them euthanised.  So, while it is alright to return adult cats, we do not recommend returning adult dogs.  We have to rehome them where they would be safe. 
Please watch this inspiring video: http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/news/23076.html
Also, by returning the adult cats to the colony, we preserve the eco-system of the environment. Believe it or not, every living being has a role to play in the eco-system. Yes, even cats, rats and insects. They are there for a reason. Just as we are!
So, let’s not think of them as pests. Let’s learn to live more harmoniously and be appreciative of each other.
Please support us by joining us in the CNRM. Start on your street, and tell your friends about it.
Cheers!!