A feral cat problem that was brought to light in the City of Jefferson in April of 2018 may have recently started down a path for a solution.
The Jefferson City Council discussed at its most recent meeting on June 8th about a proposed ordinance for feral cat colonies, and using the trap-neuter-release program. City Attorney David Morain told the Council the ordinance defines a caregiver for a cat colony and provides food, water and shelter, along with implementing a TNR program in order to reduce the number of feral cats within the colony. Ann Wenthold with People for Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S. of Greene County) explained to the Council the success they already have had with TNR.
“We’ve already done some colonies around the town, and from what we’ve heard, there are either no or few kittens this spring from those that we did towards the end of the year last year.”
Morain mentioned a reporting element for caregivers so that the City could get raw data to know if the TNR program is working or the Council may have to revisit the issue.
City Administrator Mike Palmer says these feral cat colonies are the main issue that needs to be addressed.
“The colonies have pretty much been identified where they are. It’ll be PAWS that will be working with those owners to let them know what the responsibilities are on this, along with law enforcement and code enforcement. So it’s a very comprehensive look at this.”
A committee of Mayor Matt Gordon, along with Council member Darren Jackson and Morain, have been working to develop changes to the City’s animal control ordinance. Gordon is hoping to have a partnership between the cat colony caregivers, PAWS and the City. He believes what was proposed is the best possible solution for the City.
“Right now we’re not really doing anything, so these cats are reproducing. So I think we get this TNR implemented, it’s going to make it so they can’t reproduce and hopefully reduce the number of feral cats that we have out there.”
In April of 2018, the police department suddenly suspended giving out live traps and police removing life traps from private property. Since then, there has been national media coverage on this issue. Palmer says within the next two Council meetings, a formal ordinance proposal change could be considered for approval by the Council. Click the link below to see the initial proposed ordinance changes.