During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the need to update the city's outdated animal control ordinance, which has not been revised in over 20 years. The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by the current animal control system, particularly regarding the handling of feral cats and the responsibilities of residents in managing stray animals.

Council members expressed frustration over the existing policy that allows animal control officers to handle certain animals, such as raccoons and skunks, but not cats. This inconsistency has led to confusion among residents who report feral cats, only to be informed that the city does not manage them. The discussion underscored the growing feral cat population and the potential nuisance it poses to the community.

One council member suggested that the city could provide traps for residents to use, allowing them to capture stray cats while maintaining that the responsibility for the animals would fall on the residents. This approach aims to alleviate the burden on animal control while empowering the community to take action.

The meeting also touched on the need for better communication about the availability of traps and the current policies in place. Officials agreed to verify the number of traps available and consider outreach efforts to inform the public about their options for dealing with stray animals.

Overall, the meeting indicated a willingness among council members to explore revisions to the animal control ordinance, with the goal of creating a more effective and comprehensive approach to managing the city's animal population.