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Wheeling council tables proposed ban on feeding feral cats after extensive public comment
Summary
Facing objections from residents and animal advocates, Wheeling City Council voted to table an ordinance that would have criminalized feeding feral, stray and undomesticated cats while members said they will rework the language and consider trap-neuter-release options.
Wheeling City Council on April 1 tabled an ordinance that would have amended Article 5.07 of the city code to add Section 5.07.14, making it unlawful to provide food or sustenance to feral, stray or undomesticated felines.
Councilman Seidler, who introduced the measure earlier in the ordinance process, said he would move to table the item at the vote and work with staff and stakeholders to redesign it. “I will absolutely at the time in the meeting in which we're supposed to vote on this, I will make a motion to table this ordinance so that we can go back and redesign this thing in a more productive way that makes sense,” Seidler said.
The move followed more than a dozen speakers at a public hearing who urged the council either to withdraw the proposed penalties or to pursue alternatives such as trap-neuter-release (TNR) and greater enforcement of trash and nuisance laws. Michael Geertz of Ward 1 told council members that feeding cats is not the principal driver of rodent problems and urged enforcement of existing litter ordinances. “Clean up the trash and clean up the rodent population,” Geertz said.
Several speakers warned that criminalizing feeding could worsen animal welfare outcomes and increase demand on already full shelters. Julie Croccio noted the proposed fines in the draft ordinance and contrasted them with other city penalties: “You are proposing a $300 first offense fine. That's more expensive than the fines for trespassing... The third fine is $1,000,” she said.
Brianna Crippen cited state and local animal-cruelty laws in arguing the proposed amendment could conflict with existing safeguards. Crippen referenced West Virginia Code §61-8-19 and a city animal-cruelty provision she identified as Article 5.05.01 while urging TNR as a less punitive alternative.
City Solicitor staff clarified that the version of the ordinance the public heard tonight is likely to change and that another public hearing would be scheduled if the language is revised. City Manager Herron said the public would have another opportunity to comment when new language returns to council.
After the public hearing, the council voted by voice to table the ordinance. The motion to “hold” or table the measure carried; the meeting record shows a voice vote but does not include a roll-call tally.
What happens next: Council members indicated they want to revisit the issue with a different approach, mentioning TNR and potential funding, and to ensure any new language avoids unintended conflicts with state or city animal-cruelty statutes. No new ordinance text was adopted on April 1.
Votes at this meeting and any future vote on a revised feeding ordinance will be entered into the council record and posted with the agenda materials.
