Residents press Canton council on stray cats and trap-neuter-return; mayor urges pet registration

Several residents used the public-comment period at the Feb. 12 Canton City Council meeting to press the council on animal-control practices for stray and feral cats.

Lori Hudson said she wants residents to get along to preserve Canton’s small-town character and asked specific questions about the animal control officer, including how the officer is paid and where seized animals are housed. "She also expressed concerns of the animal control officer and asked how he was paid, where do animals go and if the council has called an organization like camp companion," the minutes record.

Chris Buckley urged the council to review the animal ordinance to clarify enforcement and ensure equality of enforcement. Megan Warner cited Minnesota statute guidance that seized animals must be held for five days. Carl Ernst asked how many cats have been held by citizens over the past seven years and noted past trapping work with the DNR, saying there is currently no law protecting feral cats.

Mayor Kristy Ziegler read a prepared statement stressing public- and animal-safety goals behind the ordinance. "The ordinance, regarding stray cats, is there to protect the people and animals that live in our community," she said, and described Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as a best practice recommended by humane groups and natural-resource specialists but difficult to carry out when free feeding occurs. The mayor asked residents to register pets with the city and to remove excess outdoor food after pet meals.

Clerk Anne Koliha reminded speakers that the council does not answer questions or take action during public comment; the council will listen to concerns and may address them later through appropriate process.

The meeting minutes record the public concerns and the mayor's statement but do not document any immediate policy changes, enforcement actions, or staff directives at that meeting.