Deltona commissioners direct 30-day review of TNR program, ask staff to report back with ordinance updates

Deltona commissioners directed staff to return in roughly 30 days with a report and recommendations to address gaps in the city's Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, after staff and commissioners said the pilot initiative lacks enforcement details, an up-to-date colony registry and adequate volunteer/staff oversight.

Danny Ron, the city’s code compliance manager, told the commission the city has “not found an alternative” to the current TNR approach and has not yet compiled a current list of registered colony caretakers or colony locations. He told commissioners he has added internal safeguards but needs direction on next steps.

Commissioners described the program as inconsistent since it was launched as a pilot and not followed by formal, enforceable standards. Commissioner Lully said, “I’d like to see a report on the pilot program successes, failures. I think 30 days should be sufficient,” and pushed for ordinance language that clearly identifies colony locations and sets city oversight requirements. Vice Mayor Harriott and others urged requiring colony registration (either of caretakers or at least colony locations), routine staff monitoring of colonies and written responsibilities for nonprofit partners.

Discussion covered a range of operational details: whether caretakers should be identified, whether colonies should be limited by size, how often staff should inspect colonies, and how to handle animals that start to resemble owned pets. Commissioners repeatedly raised microchipping as a tool for identifying owned animals and deterring abandonment. Ron confirmed animal-control staff scan animals when they are sick or injured and that microchip data is only useful if owners keep contact info current.

Commissioners also discussed enforcement tools: possible fines for deliberate abandonment or repeat violations, a graduated penalty structure, and options that would incentivize registration (for example, an annual amnesty if owners obtain a microchip). Legal staff noted that cities with more than 50,000 residents may adopt higher fine caps under state law.

The motion and direction: commissioners reached consensus to extend staff research for about 30 days and return with a package that includes recommended ordinance updates, a registration approach for colonies, oversight and monitoring protocols, and proposed enforcement/fine structures. Staff said they will review neighboring models (Port Orange’s TNR ordinance was discussed frequently), propose specific registration and monitoring language, and identify budget or staffing needs tied to implementation.

The commission emphasized separating volunteer responsibilities from city responsibilities: volunteers should be supported but not relied on for the core monitoring and verification tasks the city must perform to meet the program goal of reducing cat populations.

What’s next: staff will bring back a written report with recommended ordinance language, enforcement options, and operational requirements for colony registration, microchipping outreach, and non‑profit partner standards in about 30 days.