The Community Cats Podcast

• Tackling Global Animal Welfare Challenges Featuring John Peaveler of Humane Innovations, LLC

  "If you’re struggling to catch the last cat in your colony, you just haven’t figured out the right approach yet. Every cat is catchable with the right technique." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. From building Kuwait’s first progressive animal shelter to developing global disaster response programs, John Peaveler has seen it all. In this episode, John shares his journey from military veteran to animal welfare expert, discussing the challenges of handling feral dogs and cats, the necessity of effective population management, and the importance of humane animal capture techniques. Whether you're struggling with "trap-smart" cats or looking to develop large-scale TNVR programs, John’s expertise and field-tested insights offer invaluable guidance. Press Play Now For: John’s unexpected entry into animal welfare through a dog rescue in Kuwait The challenges of catching feral dogs and cats in extreme environments Why TNVR is the most effective strategy for managing community cat populations The importance of conditioning and strategic trapping techniques Lessons learned from large-scale population management efforts The role of governments and organizations in tackling community animal welfare issues How high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter programs make a lasting impact Resources & Links: Humane Innovations LLC (https://www.humaneinnovations.com/) Tomahawk Live Trap (https://livetrap.com/) Community Cat Podcast’s Community Cat Calculator (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-calculator/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies608) Follow & Review We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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• Changing Lives for Cats Around the World Featuring Karen Menczer, Founder of Animal Kind International

  "You have to feel good about what you can do, even if you can’t help them all. Every small effort makes a difference.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Karen Menczer, founder of Animal Kind International, an organization that supports animal welfare groups in under-resourced communities worldwide. Karen shares her journey from passionate dog lover to global cat advocate and details the challenges and triumphs of supporting local animal welfare organizations across 14 countries. From TNVR programs to veterinary care initiatives, she highlights the vital work being done for community cats and the importance of moral and financial support in the field. Tune in to learn how small actions can have a big impact on the global stage. Press Play Now For: How Karen’s love for dogs led her to become a cat advocate The origins and mission of Animal Kind International The challenges of supporting animal welfare in Africa and the Caribbean Why cats face unique struggles in many communities worldwide The importance of funding and moral support for grassroots rescue organizations How humane education is changing attitudes toward community cats The power of small grants and community-based animal welfare efforts Resources & Links: Animal Kind International (https://www.animal-kind.org/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies607) Follow & Review We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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• Turning the Tide for TNR: Sioux Falls’ Game-Changing Ordinance, Featuring Matt Tougas, Founder and President of Sioux Empire TNR

  "We want to be the example that proves you should never give up. No matter where you are, if you keep pushing, you can make change happen." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Matt Tougas of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition back for an exciting update on the fight for trap-neuter-return (TNR) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Since his last appearance on the podcast, Matt and his coalition have made major strides—convincing city officials to support an ordinance that will formally allow and protect TNR efforts within the city. Matt shares how persistence, education, and coalition-building helped turn skeptics into supporters, including local lawmakers and the Humane Society. He discusses the upcoming city council vote, the potential for a dedicated TNR veterinarian, and the challenges of implementing a sustainable community cat program. He also highlights how Sioux Falls’ success could inspire neighboring cities to adopt similar policies, ultimately leading to statewide progress for cat welfare. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to advocate for TNR in your community, this episode is a must-listen. Press Play Now For: How the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition won city council support for TNR The critical role of public education in changing attitudes toward community cats How TNR is helping the local Humane Society work toward no-kill status The importance of having a dedicated veterinarian for TNR programs What’s next for Sioux Falls and how the ordinance could influence other cities The value of coalition-building in advancing animal welfare initiatives Tips for overcoming opposition and pushing for legislative change Resources & Links: Sioux Empire TNR – Learn more about Matt’s organization and how to get involved. (https://siouxempiretnr.org/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies605) Follow & Review We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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  25:49
• Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective, Featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care

  "Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that's when real change happens.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care, joins host Stacy LeBaron for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in managing unowned cat populations worldwide. With over 25 years in animal welfare, Harry has worked on everything from stray population management to ending the dog and cat meat trades. In this episode, he shares his journey into animal welfare, the realities of life for unowned cats across different regions, and innovative solutions to improve their welfare. Harry sheds light on his latest project, a three-year initiative backed by the Battersea Global Enabler Fund, focusing on cat welfare strategies in five countries: the UK, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, and Australia. He emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions, the role of cat feeders as unsung heroes, and the systemic challenges—including veterinary shortages—that impact cat welfare globally. From integrating social services into feline welfare to normalizing trap-neuter-return (TNR), Harry and Stacy discuss what it takes to build sustainable, community-led programs that truly make a difference. Press Play Now For: How Harry Eckman transitioned from pastry chef to global cat welfare leader The harsh realities faced by unowned cats around the world Why effective TNR is more than just sterilization—it’s about strategic planning The importance of integrating cat welfare into existing community services How veterinary shortages are impacting cat population management globally The role of cat feeders and why they are key to humane population control A groundbreaking international project aimed at improving feline welfare Resources & Links: International Cat Care – Learn more about their mission and projects (https://icatcare.org) Find Harry Eckman on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-eckman-45b9a847/) Harry’s Published Research on Cat & Dog Welfare in Portugal – Read it here(https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2024.0029) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies605) Follow & Review We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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  31:38
• Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging, Featuring Hanna Lentz, the Executive Director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change)

  "We know how much the messages and stories we hear impact what we believe to be true. If we change our messaging, we can create real change for animals and communities." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. How can storytelling and messaging shape the future of animal welfare? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Hanna Lentz, executive director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change). With two decades in animal welfare, Hanna shares how SPARC is reshaping narratives to improve collaboration, reduce divisiveness, and create meaningful change for animals and people. From hands-on shelter work to strategic messaging, Hanna discusses her journey and words' powerful role in shaping perceptions, policies, and practices in animal welfare. Whether you're involved in TNR, rescue, or advocacy, this episode will challenge you to rethink how we talk about the work we do—and why it matters. Press Play Now For: The role of messaging in shaping animal welfare strategies How community members can support pet owners in crisis The power of empathic listening in advocacy and rescue work Breaking down divisive issues like "No-Kill" and community cat management How SPARC is helping organizations refine their language for maximum impact Why collaboration between social services and animal welfare is crucial Resources & Links: Learn more about SPARC (http://www.sparcinsight.org) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies604) Follow & Review We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

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  32:21

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