Resident urges neighbors to stop feeding cats after fox attacks reported

Margaret Brogden, identified in the meeting minutes as a visitor, spoke during public comment on Sept. 10, 2025, saying foxes in and near town had killed a cat and a dog and that the animals ‘‘are becoming domesticated because people were feeding them.’’

Larry Miller, who responded in the discussion, said residents had been feeding stray cats and that the foxes were eating the cat food rather than being intentionally fed. ‘‘They are feeding stray cats and the foxes are eating the food. They are not intentionally feeding the foxes,’’ he said, and agreed to stop feeding cats to see whether the animals would move on.

Meeting participants discussed responsibility for feeding stray animals and cited local expectations that someone who habitually feeds strays may be presumed to take responsibility for them. Several attendees urged neighbors to feed cats indoors or to remove food after feeding so wildlife are not drawn into yards. Participants also reported an incident in which someone allegedly left a dead fox on a resident’s car hood; attendees said killing wildlife outside of regulated seasons can be illegal and suggested contacting law enforcement if similar incidents recur.

Why it matters: residents say the interactions are causing pet losses and property damage (potholes and drainage were discussed separately at the meeting). The council said it has limited authority to address feeding behavior and wildlife, but recommended neighbors talk to one another and suggested contacting appropriate county or state officials if criminal conduct is suspected.

The meeting did not produce any formal action on animal control; the exchange took place during the public-comment portion and resulted in public discussion and requests that some neighbors stop leaving food outside overnight.