Costa Mesa residents press council to legalize trap-neuter-return; council sets timeline tied to Priceless Pets opening

Dozens of Costa Mesa residents urged the City Council on Oct. 7 to legalize trap-neuter-return, saying current practices have left shelters overrun and volunteers financially exhausted. The council responded with a timeline for next steps, saying staff and the police department will move the issue through the Animal Services Committee and that formal council action could come before the start of the new year.

Supporters said the city’s current process — which they described as relying on trap-and-remove and ad hoc volunteer rescuers — has not reduced the feral cat population and has created public-health and animal-welfare harms. “We need TNR to be legal in this city so that anyone can ethically participate in helping reduce the excess production of new kittens,” said Kelly Blakey, a Costa Mesa resident and Priceless Pets volunteer.

The case for TNR drew sustained testimony. Dana Levin, who said she was elected to the city’s animal services committee seven years ago, described repeated requests for information and an eight-year delay to adopt a program she and others designed. “I gave you all the information you have requested,” Levin said. “I’m really sorry that it’s happening.”

Other speakers described rescues and medical costs borne by volunteers. Megan (one-name speaker), who said she had worked to remove 24 cats from a junkyard colony, said: “Every week that passes with no TNR program, more cats die, more kittens are born, and the residents burn out trying to fix the problem.” Becca Walls, who said she chaired the committee for five years, told the council that a change.org petition had gathered 891 signatures and asked for a public timeline.

Council and staff responded with a step-based plan rather than an immediate rule change. Mayor John B. Stephens said the police department has drafted an ordinance and that the revised draft will be heard at the Animal Services Committee on Oct. 22. He and other council members tied broader implementation to Priceless Pets’ move to a new facility: staff and the mayor said Priceless Pets expects a soft opening in November and full operations by the beginning of next year.

City staff said the plan is to finalize legal language and administrative processes while Priceless Pets completes tenant improvements, with the goal of returning an item for council action before year-end if the shelter is ready to operate. “We heard you. We’re listening to you,” Mayor Stephens said, acknowledging frustration over prior delays and promising clearer communications about next steps.

Council members repeatedly invited volunteers and knowledgeable residents to participate in drafting and outreach. Council member Lauren Gamaros said she could not vote on matters involving Priceless Pets because of a conflict but offered contact information to volunteers who wanted to help.

The council did not adopt an ordinance or take a formal vote on TNR during the Oct. 7 meeting. Instead the record shows staff direction: the police department will present a draft ordinance to the Animal Services Committee (scheduled Oct. 22), Priceless Pets’ soft opening is expected in November, and staff aim to bring a council item for consideration before the new year.

If the draft ordinance returns, it will need to state how shelter partners (such as Priceless Pets) and volunteer trappers will operate under city law, who handles post-surgery returns, and whether the city will provide veterinary subsidies or official release authority. Speakers repeatedly urged the council to clarify those operational details so volunteers can act without legal ambiguity.

The council suggested multiple participation avenues for residents before any ordinance is final and said continued public comment and committee review will shape the city’s program.