Feeding cats and the proper way to do so focus of town council debate

Local cat groups went to town council Monday night with concerns over the animal control/keeping of animals bylaw, with a major issue being a clause over penalties when feeding cats.

Three delegates spoke to council touting the benefits of the trap, neuter and release (TNR) program and the benefits of keeping cats looked after. In the end, town council agreed to seek amendments to the bylaw and have those registered with designated TNR groups allowed to keep doing what they are doing regarding the feeding and housing of cats. Feeding guidelines would have to be followed, with those amendments suggested by Councillor Peter Courtney.

Linda Squire told town council that when a cat colony is properly cared for, there are major benefits to a community. It becomes easier for someone who cares for cats to see if a cat needs to be spayed or neutered. 

If cats go hungry, they could end up under cars, porches, decks or even at people’s doorsteps.

“I don’t think anyone wants that,” she said. 

Benefits of TNR programs are universal and “it’s not just Amherstburg,” she said.

Education was a key to the issue, Squire indicated.

“I think we need to educate cat colony caregivers,” she said.

Such education could include designated times to feed the cats and proper ways to go about it. She said local cat groups have helped lower the cat population over the years at minimal cost to the town. Squire said she would like to be able to educate more people on the issue.

“It’s better to educate,” she said.

Councillor Diane Pouget said she recalled when she was on town council in 2012 and hearing about all the issues relating to feral cats and the problems they were causing. She said complaints stopped for many years until she heard of one this past March.Pouget also believed more should be put towards spay and neuter vouchers as the current $50 is not enough for people.

Squire added it was the people improperly feeding animals that need to be looked at.

“I don’t want the bylaw gone, just target the people not doing it right,” she said.

Mayor Michael Prue said the TNR program has been a success for many years.

“The issue is the feeding of feral cats,” he said, adding skunks, rats, possums and other animals and rodents that can be attracted. Manager of licensing and enforcement Bill Tetler agreed that TNR is a separate issue.

Courtney said registering responsible people can help ward off any future issues. 

Lynn Sinasac, who said she has been helping to rescue cats since 2004, questioned why cats have been classified as wild animals when they are domesticated animals.

“The outdoors is not their natural habitat,” said Sinasac.

Cats are often abandoned by people and said people showing kindness and compassion for animals should not be penalized. People who know of cats needing help should reach out to people in the TNR community.

“Let’s all work together to come up with a humane solution,” she said.

Candace Sevelka with the Windsor-Essex Community Cat Network added with registered colonies, cats can be maintained properly. Colonies can be a safe space for cats and that TNR efforts have been wildly successful.

“At the end of the day, restrictive feeding of feral populations does not work in deterring cats from our communities,” she said.

When food and shelter is not provided in conjunction with TNR, a larger problem is created, Sevelka added.

Councillor Don McArthur said the bylaw was adopted three years ago and “this is the first time we’re talking about it.” He said the bylaw can be tweaked but cautioned “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”

McArthur believed if a person is with a legitimate TNR program, there should be the ability to feed the cats they are caring for.

The amendments will be brought back to town council for final approval.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said he is “a cat guy” and has friends who manage a colony and his family has rescued cats. He said he liked the direction of Courtney’s motion, but also called for proper education and “following of the TNR rules.” If people don’t follow the TNR rules, then there needs to be action taken.

“That’s how we’re going to protect these cats. Have them spayed and neutered, have them cared for, but the people who aren’t following best practices, there has to be ramifications,” said Gibb.

Prue said it was logical to permit people who know what they are doing regarding the care of animals to continue, but said he would not change the bylaw for people who are not part of a cat group and leave food out and allow skunks and rats to come out.

“The neighbours have a right too,” he said.

Prue said all people have to have their rights protected.

“I like the direction but I am hoping there can be some kind of list of the people here tonight who are doing it properly and will make sure there are no problems,” said Prue.

The mayor said the idea is for people to not leave food out and “we all have responsibilities.” He asked people to ensure that people who are in the groups manage their responsibility well.

Feeding cats and the proper way to do so focus of town council debate

By Ron Giofu