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Residents press council on feral‑cat colonies; staff and shelter defend trap‑neuter‑vaccinate‑release efforts
Summary
Residents at the Aug. 26 Clumber Borough Council meeting urged enforcement and changes to feral‑cat colony management, while shelter officials defended the borough’s TNR program and staff cited code provisions limiting feeding that causes a nuisance.
Residents at the Aug. 26 Clumber Borough Council meeting urged enforcement and changes to how feral‑cat colonies are managed, saying colonies near homes create nuisance conditions. Mary Wittenizer said multiple litters appeared in her neighborhood and described yard and bird‑bath use by cats; she told council, "My garden has turned into a litter box" and said the problem is not being managed in her area.
Columbia Animal Shelter Executive Director Tammy Jalbert (spoke as Tammy Jalbert) responded that the borough’s trap‑neuter‑vaccinate‑release program (CCAT) is not relocation and that volunteers have trapped, neutered and released more than 500 cats in Columbia. Jalbert said volunteers are strained and that volunteer capacity limits how many cats can be removed or sterilized. "We have trapped, neutered, and released over 500 cats," she said.
Codes enforcement and staff described the enforcement pathway and cited the borough ordinance. A staff member read section 82‑15 of the borough code: "It shall be unlawful for any person to continue to feed stray or feral cats where such feeding causes a nuisance to neighbors or creates a condition contrary to the health, safety, or welfare of the community unless that person participates in a trap neuter and repair program managed by the borough or sponsor." Council members and staff said citations are possible when feeding causes a nuisance and that Paula in codes enforcement would be the contact for complaints and enforcement.
What council and staff said they will do: staff said they would follow up with community members, and shelter and volunteer representatives said they will continue outreach to the area described by Wittenizer. Council members acknowledged the program’s impact while also noting volunteer limitations. No formal council action or ordinance change occurred at the meeting; the subject was raised during public comment and staff suggested codes enforcement follow up where applicable.
