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Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3285 reducing the holding time to 24 hours for feral cats at the animal adoption center and redefining "at large and running at large" for the purposes of the Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program and take appropriate action.
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BACKGROUND:
On April 16, 2014, the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee recommended reducing the holding time for feral cats to 24 hours. Currently, feral cats have to be held for three (3) days, excluding Sundays, before they can be sterilized, vaccinated with a 3-year rabies vaccine, ear notched, and released back into the feral cat colony.
It is also proposed to redefine the definition of "at large and running at large" to support the City's aggressive Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program. The City previously was awarded a two-year grant to reduce the feral cat population in the City through sterilization. The grant initiative began on November 19, 2013 and as of June 9, 2014, 129 feral cats have been through the TNR program.
By sterilizing, vaccinating and returning feral cats to their feral cat colony, the size of the colony can greatly be reduced, if not eliminated, in less than five (5) years. If a feral cat is not returned to its colony, a void is created and soon after another feral cat will takes its place in the colony. However, where residents have communicated that they do not want a sterilized, rabies vaccinated, ear notched feral cat released back into their neighborhood, the feral cat will be released at another location.
DISCUSSION:
Ordinance No. 3285, as proposed, will reduce the holding time for feral cats to 24 hours which will create a shorter stay and therefore less stress for feral cats. Additionally, moving feral cats through the shelter quicker reduces the probability of disease transmission amongst the cat population as well as reducing the risk of overcrowding at the shelter.
The City has a current feral cat population estimated at 900. Most of these c...
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