FROM THE NEWSROOM: A proposed animal control ordinance specifically addressing cats will be going to a public hearing, following a unanimous vote by the Killingly Town Council; the ordinance is in response to what town officials say has been an increase of cat complaints to the regional Animal Control Officer, especially throughout a six-street radius around Maple Street where the home of a recently deceased woman described at public meetings as a “cat hoarder” stirred up public health and safety concerns. The ordinance would ban individuals from owning cats more than six months old which have not been spayed or neutered, but it leaves room for veterinarian- approved medical exceptions and opportunities for special permitting, for a cost of $25 per year, to keep unaltered cats. Under the ordinance, anyone intentionally feeding or sheltering a cat would be considered an “owner.” The ordinance is supported by some residents such as Nancy Grandelski, who called the ordinance long-overdue given the towns problems with cat overpopulation. However, others like Judy Kramer worry the town is putting the cart before the horse, saying that the town should first focus on making sure there are adequate animal shelters and spay-neuter services, predicting that owners who cant afford to comply with the new law will simply abandon their non-neutered cats, making the original problem worse. Kramer also criticized the ordinance for not penalizing pet-owners who abandon their cats, and suggested that focus should be put on helping well-meaning people who take in stray cats instead of going after them legally and calling them what she considers an offensive term: “hoarders.” Penalties for violating the ordinance could be up to $75 for every 30 days an individual is found to be in noncompliance, with all fees going toward cat sterilization services. The ordinance would not apply to animal shelters and rescue groups meeting specified criteria – the public hearing will be on November 10th at 7pm in the town hall. Tune in for the full report.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:33:56 +0000