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Council weighs permit for community cat caretakers, agrees to outreach instead of immediate fees
Summary
Staff proposed adding a permit and structure to the trap-neuter-return (TNR) caretaker program to manage unregulated feeding and collect colony data. Caretakers opposed fees; council asked staff to gather caregiver contact information, provide training and support, and avoid imposing a burdensome permitting fee without further discussion.
City staff recommended formalizing Rosenberg's trap-neuter-return (TNR) program with an application and caretaker certification, and adding a permit requirement for feeding stray animals to limit unregulated feeding that can attract nuisance wildlife.
Omar (animal services staff) said the permit and caregiver log would help the city track colonies, ensure cats are neutered and reduce nuisance wildlife and public-safety complaints. Public commenter Mary Jansen, who identified herself as a longtime colony caregiver, opposed a permit fee and described the work and expense of caring for multiple colonies.
Council members expressed sympathy for caretakers and asked staff to collect caretaker contact lists and provide training and assistance instead of imposing an immediate permit fee. Staff said permit fees are a council decision but reiterated the proposed rules would focus on feeding windows, cleanup requirements and colony logs to document reductions in colony size.
Next steps: staff will accept caregiver contact information, explore non-fee permitting options or free training, and return with draft program language if needed.
