Last week the Jefferson City Council held a discussion about animal control within the city limits.

The issue came to light when Council member Matt Gordon heard about a resident being bitten by a cat. The animal didn’t have an owner and tested negative for rabies. Council member Matt Wetrich mentioned it’s the Council’s role to govern for citizens and handle pet owners. He pointed out that if there weren’t residents that fed feral cats, the population would decrease. Police Chief Mark Clouse said the City doesn’t offer live traps to residents. However residents can trap wild animals, including cats, on their property. They can then have the animal scanned for a microchip or check for a license. If none exist, the resident can take care of the animal however they want, including euthanasia or taking it to the animal shelter.  

It was mentioned from the People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the organization that runs the current animal facility, the state inspector only allows for a maximum of 12 cats. They are constantly over capacity. PAWS representatives wanted to have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. City Administrator Mike Palmer explained the city’s viewpoint on TNR.

“The City has made it pretty clear that they’re not in favor of pursuing that direction. They’re not saying that an organization like PAWS cannot do that.”

A city ordinance requires dog and cat owners to license their pet on an annual basis and be up-to-date on all immunizations. PAWS argued at the meeting that they don’t have support from the City and that the public doesn’t think PAWS is doing their job if they don’t accept stray animals.

Palmer said the City could start trapping animals at large on public property. However, he said no solution or action was taken by the Council, but added the discussion was needed to keep the topic on the forefront of the public’s mind. To see the city’s ordinance on animal control, click the link below.

https://cityofjeffersoniowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chapter55.pdf