Cara Jackson of Marshalltown Strong TNR — Trap, Neuter and Return — is sending out a plea for barn homes for between 40 to 100 felines.

“We need barn homes. We’re in an emergency situation,” Jackson said.

The management of Sunset Village Mobile Home Park is trying to trap the cats at Sunset Village Mobile Home Park and bring them to the Animal Rescue League. However, the ARL can only accept adoptable animals, and the feral cats do not qualify.

Jackson said she is worried about this possibility.

Jackson is doing all they can to protect the vulnerable animals.

To qualify as a barn home, the owner must provide food, water and some sort of shelter, preferably a barn with straw.

“I don’t know how we’re going to pull this off,” Jackson said.

The Marshalltown Strong TNR’s mission is to control feral cat populations by spaying and neutering the cats. The program keeps the cats healthy by giving them veterinarian care and prevents the growth of feral cat communities in a humane way. The continuation of the program helps prevent situations like this in which many cats’ lives are at risk.

For those who cannot provide a home for the cats, donations are of great help. People can donate through the fundraiser on the TNR’s Facebook page which will be up through October or contact the ARL and specify the donation is for the TNR.

Jackson said they have the support of various organizations in surrounding towns.

“Everybody is trying to come together,” she said.

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Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com.