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Neighbors urge Napa County to limit number of cats at dispute property on Forest Drive
Summary
Multiple neighbors urged the Board to adopt an ordinance limiting the number of cats per parcel after describing a growing population of free-roaming cats at a residence on 62 Forest Drive, citing public-health, safety and wildlife impacts and asking for enforcement and shelter capacity improvements.
During public comment the Board of Supervisors received multiple complaints about a single property (62 Forest Drive) that neighbors said is supporting an uncontrolled population of free-roaming cats. Residents described counts ranging from about 10 to 50-plus cats, daily exposure to waste and flea problems, and impacts to walking safety and local wildlife.
Bob Fagoni and other neighbors said county animal services and code enforcement have been notified but that the problem persists and have asked the county to adopt a limit on the number of cats per parcel similar to the proposed rooster ordinance. Carol McCoy and Rose Fagonie described personal incidents in which cats created safety hazards and called for county action, including an ordinance and enforcement measures.
Supervisor Ramos and other board members acknowledged existing county guidance on community-cat programs and trap-neuter-release (TNR) but referred the matter to the Chief Executive Office for further study and to evaluate enforcement options; Supervisor Alessio asked the sheriff and district attorney's office to explore a public-nuisance complaint in the interim.
Speakers also urged expanded shelter capacity and affordable spay/neuter availability; a shelter representative later testified the shelter is at capacity and cannot accept more animals until space and resources increase.
The board asked staff to review code-enforcement options and to coordinate with the animal shelter and County CEO on next steps. No formal ordinance was introduced at the meeting; the board's referral initiates staff follow-up.
