The Woodbridge Township Council meeting held on March 19, 2024, focused heavily on the pressing issue of feral cat management in the community. The meeting began with public comments highlighting the urgent need for a well-funded Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to address the growing feral cat population.

One resident reported that she has been able to assist with five cats a week through local organizations, but emphasized the overwhelming demand for help, noting that she had received numerous calls from residents seeking assistance. She pointed out the inefficiencies in the current system, where residents face long wait times for trapping assistance, sometimes extending up to eight months. This delay can lead to significant increases in the feral cat population, as a single pregnant cat can produce multiple litters in that time frame.

Another resident, Mary Anne Finnimore, shared her findings from an OPRA request regarding the number of calls for trapping assistance. She revealed that in 2023, there were 104 calls for help, representing a minimum of 472 cats needing assistance. However, only a small fraction of these calls resulted in successful trapping, with many reports closed due to lack of follow-up or because residents were told to seek help elsewhere.

Shari Wexler, another community member, echoed the need for town support, stating that volunteers are currently managing feral cat colonies without compensation. She urged the council to recognize the fiscal benefits of supporting a TNR program, which could ultimately reduce costs associated with animal control.

Art Petra, a local resident, highlighted the limitations of the current animal shelter, stating that it cannot adequately address the feral cat issue alone. He called for a collaborative approach to find a solution that involves both the township and the community.

The meeting also included a personal account from Mark Miller, who described a negative experience with animal control when trying to help a stray cat. He criticized the lack of compassion and support from the shelter, suggesting that improvements are needed in how animal control interacts with residents.

In addition to the discussions on feral cats, other topics included a request for safety measures along the Hertz Creek project, with concerns raised about potential hazards for children and pets once construction is completed.

The meeting concluded with a motion to close the public comment portion, but not before several residents expressed their commitment to advocating for a more effective and humane approach to managing the feral cat population in Woodbridge Township. The council is expected to consider these public concerns and explore potential solutions in future meetings.