Residents and shelter advocates urge council to keep funding for TNR program; council reallocates $1,500 to Cat Action Team

Dozens of Columbia residents, volunteers and shelter staff used the Oct. 16 public‑comment period to press council to preserve funding and support for community cat Trap‑Neuter‑Return (TNR) efforts and to condemn language they described as advocating inhumane measures.

Speakers included a veterinarian who described animal‑welfare standards and law, multiple CCAT volunteers who detailed local results from TNR work, and a Columbia Animal Shelter representative who urged council to remain professional in public remarks about the program.

What residents said

Doctor Nikki Waltsmeyer, a veterinarian, told council that veterinarians take an oath to protect animal health and welfare and cited national veterinary groups’ positions endorsing humane community‑cat management. She told council it is a felony in Pennsylvania “to intentionally or knowingly torture an animal which causes death.” She urged council to avoid language or policy that…