Updated: ‘Sir H.A.L.’ M.I.A. Because He’s Going to the V.E.T.

A boardwalk tomcat who very likely sired many litters behind the Yachtsman Resort has been removed, finally no longer adding feral cats to the boardwalk’s burgeoning population. But “Sir H.A.L.” is not the only unneutered feral there.

Laurie Peterson, founder and president of Cats of the Boardwalk, was thrilled to get the chance to neuter a male – especially this sleek black “Sir H.A.L” – from the 14th Avenue Pier colony. She plans to try trapping there again soon with one of the felines’ feeders, which COTB calls “The Cat Whisperer,” in order to lure more unneutered ferals away.

Like all the feeders, The Cat Whisperer risks getting a $101 fine. Yet, he stubbornly and compassionately garnered the trust of the majority of ferals after years of feeding them. He works with Laurie who uses his feeding schedule as an opportunity for trapping, neutering and returning (TNR). It’s impressive to watch The Cat Whisperer call out the ferals’ names and to see them running his way.

“The biggest obstacle to trapping cats at this location is finding ones hungry enough to fall for the bait.” — Laurie Peterson, Cats of the Boardwalk

However, challenges remain. “The biggest obstacle to trapping cats at this location is finding ones hungry enough to fall for the bait,” Laurie says, while pointing to the empty plates and half-eaten piles of cat food scattered on both private and city property there. Feeding cats anywhere on public property at the boardwalk is illegal and subjects feeders to law-enforcement action.

The other challenge is colony location. She is not permitted to trap on city property and won’t set up traps on private property unless she has received permission first. She considers the process an opportunity to spread the word about COTB while she reaches out to property owners, many of whom are responsive and compassionate.

Laurie hopes to educate the general public about the work she does to manage the colonies. Additionally, she wishes more of this colony’s feeders will contact Laurie at COTB to coordinate their feeding schedules for better trapping results.

She’s been attempting to isolate more adults behind the Yachtsman for the past year. She was successful removing kittens last week, however, one kitten and its momma still remain. In addition to “Sir H.A.L.,” Laurie thinks there are at least three more tomcats at this colony she needs to TNR.

To assist COTB with the ongoing mission to trap, neuter and return (TNR) cats and rescue kittens, please click to volunteer, adopt, donate or buy a COTB t-shirt which also supports efforts.