Resident urges action on feral cats behind Super 8; city, humane groups coordinating TNR

During the council’s public-comment period, a resident urged the city to address a growing population of feral cats behind the Super 8 Hotel and described repeatedly rescuing and treating animals found malnourished and injured.

The resident said they had cared for the cats for about five years, reported that some animals had eye infections or had died, and said neighbors had threatened them when they tried to feed the animals. “There was 19 in my last count … now there’s 30,” the resident said, describing concerns that more kittens were on the way and warning of possible rabies exposure to hotel guests and children.

An agency representative said the APE organization and the Humane Society were coordinating a trap-neuter-return program, had sent traps and were fundraising to cover per-animal costs (estimated roughly $40–$60 per cat). The agency representative said law enforcement had been involved and that the organizations had been communicating to finalize a plan to vaccinate and spay or neuter the animals.

Council members and staff said they are aware of the situation, that current city ordinances address animals at large and neglect, and that staff would stay in contact with the humane groups and property owners to facilitate trapping and care where possible. The chair said staff will “stay on top of it and keep you in the loop.”

Why it matters: The resident’s account highlights an animal welfare and potential public-safety issue that the city and nonprofit partners are trying to address through coordinated TNR efforts and enforcement of existing ordinances.

What’s next: City staff said they will continue to coordinate with the Humane Society and APE, follow applicable animal-at-large and neglect ordinances, and support trap-neuter-return operations subject to property-owner permissions.