Jennifer Barnes, Trapper & Animal Welfare Advocate
This episode is sponsored in part by Doobert.com's FosterSpace, Boulder Holistic Vet, and Community Cat Coalition of Clark County. In this episode, Stacy chats with Jennifer Barnes, a US Marine Corps veteran who has been colony feeding and trapping cats for TNR for over five years in New Jersey. Known online as “The Trap Queen,” Jennifer largely uses her own money to fund her TNR, and she doesn’t drive—but she still gets the job done. She and Stacy discuss how she became involved in rescue and, eventually, TNR, and Jennifer shares the story of how she found the strength to keep trapping after having to euthanize the first cat she ever trapped. Jennifer also talks with Stacy about the lack of diversity in animal welfare, and how, as a Black woman, her early experiences with the animal welfare industry made her consider quitting. Though she traps independently, she has since connected up with a nonprofit organization that has a Black CEO, a fact that has made her feel more at ease and like she belongs in animal welfare. Jennifer shares her advice on trapping without your own vehicle, including tips on using ride-sharing services and public transportation. She tells Stacy about her favorite baits, and about her ongoing colony feeding experiences. While Jennifer funds the majority of the work she does herself, she does accept donations to help with the colonies she feeds and any vet care they require. To learn more and follow the work Jennifer does, check her out on Facebook, Instagram, or on Twitter under the handle @trapqueen85.