When it comes to efficient and humane solutions to reduce the area’s feline overpopulation, Big Bend Pets is at the forefront, with the help of county resident Patsy Culver. She founded the nonprofit, tax-exempt organization in the fall of 2019.

“The trap-neuter-return program has been very successful in many communities. Around 29 counties in Texas have a TNR ordinance now, and we don’t,” noted Culver, who hopes to have the program on the City of Alpine’s budget this summer.

Although many residents may be familiar with other local pet rescue and adoption organizations such as Grand Companions of Fort Davis and the Alpine Humane Society, Big Bend Pets stands out by having trained trappers capture feral cats. No rescues are done, and cat colonies are not relocated. The goal is to keep the colony safe, sterilized, and not reproducing.

Culver is no newcomer to the pet rescue world. Besides being a former CEO with Grand Companions, Culver has collaborated with Responsible Ownership of Marfa Pets and the Alpine Humane Society.

“It didn’t matter how much work we did in placing animals, there were more coming in, and one of the biggest areas where that happened was in the feral cat population,” Culver explained. “The animal shelter was filled with cats every spring, and that told me that there needed to be a better, concentrated effort on getting the colonies, rather than one cat here and one cat there.”

In 2020, Big Bend Pets successfully trapped 219 cats, neutered them, and returned them to their colony home. In addition, 35 cat colonies were registered in Alpine. This year, Culver hopes to increase the number of cats trapped to 225.

Thanks to the hard work and efforts of Big Bend Pets, the animal shelters have reported a 38% decrease in the feral cats they have been picking up. Besides controlling the cat population, other benefits are in place for homeowners.

“The cats can get back to work! Everybody who does feed a cat colony reports that they have no mice and snakes. The working whiskers are out there doing their job!” exclaimed Culver.

She noted funding for the TNR program could be augmented through private foundations for spay and neuter programs, along with expanding to Marathon and possibly Marfa.

“The wonderful thing about trap-neuter-return is that in the future, we should be doing less of that due to the natural attrition,” Culver said. “If we got the pet overpopulation under control, it would be better for the community. It’s just an overall healthier, population - a cat community in balance with the resources available.”

Setting her goals high, Culver enjoys making a difference in the community by providing services that make a positive impact.

To donate or for more information, visit bigbendpets.org, email bigbendpets@gmail.com, visit its Facebook page, or call 575-489-5932.