Residents press township to enforce nuisance rules after years of roaming cats

Several residents described ongoing problems with cats entering yards, defecating in gardens and damaging property during the meeting’s public‑comment period on June 6.

Edward Macalenas (speaker 5), who said he lives in the Stoney Point development, cited East Cocalico Township’s animal control code (chapter 57) and asked the board to take action after repeated complaints. "We've sent multiple complaints to township regarding animals, specifically cats, defecating on our property," he said, and asked the board to help "before we take the matter into our own hands."

Other residents said the animals appear to be owned or regularly fed by neighbors, and that the population has grown over years. Susanna Polala (speaker 7) said she lives next to the homeowner who feeds the cats and described repeated property damage and personal distress: "If you're going to feed them, you're going to bait them, you need to keep them off my property." A resident and staff member reminded attendees that deliberately taking enforcement actions without following legal processes can create liability for the person taking matters into their own hands.

What the board asked: The chair asked residents to email the township manager (manager@ect.town) so the clerk and zoning officer have a written trail; staff said trapping and removal without following legal procedures could expose residents to enforcement action. The zoning officer or manager can evaluate nuisance complaints under chapter 57 and pursue enforcement or private‑party remedies through the magistrate’s office.

Next steps: Residents were instructed to document complaints via email to the township manager to create an administrative record for enforcement follow‑up.