The Woodbridge Township Council meeting on April 2, 2024, focused on several pressing community issues, particularly the management of stray animals and the implementation of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats.

During the public comment segment, residents expressed concerns about the growing population of stray cats, dogs, and other wildlife, including coyotes. One speaker highlighted the ecological impact of these animals, noting their role in controlling rodent populations but also their potential harm to local bird species. The speaker urged the council to take action to protect both the animals and the community's health, citing the risks of disease transmission from neglected animals.

Another resident, Linda from Islan, advocated for the TNR program, arguing that it is a humane solution to the problem of feral cats. She emphasized that irresponsible pet ownership has led to the current situation and called on the council to support TNR as a viable method to manage the feral cat population without resorting to euthanasia.

In response, Council President Mitch acknowledged the community's passion for the issue and confirmed that the township has already provided TNR assistance for 21 feral cats this year, funded by both the township and local organizations. He noted that while the council supports TNR efforts, they believe the current program is sufficient and that they have not found other municipalities with more extensive TNR initiatives.

The meeting also covered various community events, including upcoming workshops at the Greenway Family Success Center and a Big Wheels Day event for children. The council members expressed gratitude for community involvement and reiterated their commitment to addressing local concerns while balancing the needs of all residents.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing stray animal populations in Woodbridge Township and the council's efforts to engage with community members on this issue. The council plans to continue evaluating their animal control strategies while supporting local initiatives aimed at improving the situation.