Resident urges council to adopt trap–neuter–release ordinance and convert shelter to no-kill

William Hammond, a resident of the city’s historic district, told the council his neighborhood has a large number of stray cats and urged the city to adopt a trap–neuter–release (TNR) ordinance and to make the municipal animal shelter a no-kill facility.

Hammond described practical steps he has taken, including having one cat spayed at a local veterinary clinic, and said he believes an ordinance combined with a no-kill policy would “make a real difference for both the animals and for the community.”

The request came during the public comment period; the transcript does not record a council motion or vote on the subject. Animal-control and shelter policies were not otherwise discussed in detail during the meeting’s agenda items included in the transcript.

Why it matters: A TNR ordinance and no-kill shelter policy would affect municipal animal-control operations, shelter budgets, veterinary contracts and public health considerations. The resident’s request raises a policy choice the council may address in a future agenda item.