Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chief: trap‑neuter‑release and animal licensing fall short of curbing feral‑cat problems; city seeks volunteers and grants
Summary
Police and animal‑control staff said Livingston runs a trap‑neuter‑release (TNR) program and offers microchipping and free services where possible, but acknowledged TNR has not eliminated nuisance cat complaints; officials urged licensing, microchipping and grant applications for expanded veterinary services.
Police and animal‑control officials told the May 12 town hall that the city runs a trap‑neuter‑release (TNR) program and provides microchipping and other services but faces persistent feral‑cat and small‑animal issues.
Chief Rick Schiff said Livingston has one full‑time animal‑control/code‑abatement officer and that officers handle animal issues when that staffer is unavailable. “We do have a trap and release program,” Schiff said, adding the department microchips animals and returns spayed/neutered cats to their location when owner identity is unclear.
Several residents and council members said TNR did not resolve nuisance complaints in some neighborhoods because returned cats continue to cause problems at private properties. The chief acknowledged those concerns and explained some constraints: legal holding periods for found animals, unknown ownership of many cats and limited local veterinary capacity.
Schiff said the department seeks grant funding to bring mobile or visiting veterinary clinics to Livingston for low‑ or no‑cost spay/neuter and microchipping services, and noted the city already uses out‑of‑town clinics when needed. He also encouraged licensing and microchipping so lost animals can be reunited and to enable enforcement when necessary.
Staff did not adopt any new ordinance at the town hall but said they will explore volunteer committees and partnering with nonprofits, while recognizing liability, logistics and funding questions would require additional review.
