The cats were recruited in the 1950's to catch rodents and at one time, more than 30 felines took residence in the area. Effective Trap Neuter Return (TNR) strategies have dwindled the population to only four cats. One volunteer recalled no kittens have been born to the colony for 10 to 15 years.
It has been suggested that it would be great to have a memorial plaque at the site to educate the public about cat overpopulation, the cause of feral cats and the history of the colony that finally ended through the use of TNR and natural attrition, said Elizabeth Glibbery, Toronto Animal Services manager.
"Kudos to great volunteers that dedicated their time and money to look after these cats with the ultimate goal of addressing the homeless cat issue," added Glibbery. "The closing of this colony is proof that TNR works even though the Caretakers of this colony will find it a bitter-sweet ending to their mission."
