City Expands Cat Program With AWL

The City of Crawfordsville is increasing its efforts to humanely address the community’s feral and stray cat population through an expanded Shelter-Neuter-Release program in partnership with the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County.

As part of this initiative, the City has committed an additional $25,000 in dedicated funding to support the SNR program in 2026. This investment reflects the City’s focus on proactive, long-term solutions for managing free-roaming cat populations.

Mayor Todd Barton emphasized that community participation is essential to the program’s success.

“We are excited to partner with the Animal Welfare League to move this program forward and are optimistic it will result in a positive impact for Crawfordsville residents by addressing the growing population of cats in a humane and caring manner,” Barton said.

AWL Shelter Manager Abbie Horn agreed.

“The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County and the City of Crawfordsville are working together in taking a compassionate, proactive step towards improving the lives of community cats while reducing the growing population and creating a healthier and happier future for both the animals and people in our community,” she said.

The SNR program is a widely recognized approach that involves live-trapping stray and feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, and returning them to their original location. This process helps stabilize populations over time, reduces nuisance behaviors such as fighting and spraying and improves overall animal health.

Through this program, the AWL will:

• Respond to community concerns regarding stray and feral cats
• Assess situations and recommend appropriate solutions
• Implement SNR efforts in targeted areas where they are most needed
• Provide guidance to residents on addressing community cat issues

To support community involvement, AWL will also loan live traps and carriers to residents for use in safely capturing stray or feral cats. A fully refundable $50 deposit is required for this equipment. To participate in this program, please make an appointment with the AWL prior to bringing a cat in.

Residents who experience concerns with feral or stray cats are encouraged to contact the Animal Welfare League. Reporting issues and working collaboratively with AWL helps ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

For more information or to report concerns about stray or feral cats, please contact the AWL at (765) 362-8846.