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Residents urge city action on feral cat colonies that damage yards
Summary
Two Norborn residents told the council their neighborhood is being harmed by feral cat colonies and asked staff to clarify which city ordinances apply and what enforcement or mitigation options exist; council agreed to arrange a follow-up meeting with staff.
Gretchen Burns told the Charles Town City Council that feral cat colonies in her Norborn/Glebe neighborhood are damaging gardens and creating a nuisance, and asked the council to clarify which parts of the city code apply and whether enforcement or other steps can be taken.
"I'd like to get some clarification on what, what can be done about cats that come in and defecate and tear up your yard and your flower beds and your food beds," Burns said, asking for a staff meeting to review which ordinance provisions—licensing, stray-at-large exemptions and other elements—remain in effect. Mayor Robert M. Treanor asked Burns to provide contact information so staff could follow up.
Cynthia Decola, who identified herself as a Norborn resident and friend of Burns, said the problem is longstanding and that she has lost plants to cats using garden beds as bathrooms. "I think we should be able to come to some sort of compromise that will protect the animals," Decola said, then urged that residents' ability to enjoy home-grown food also be protected. Council members suggested staff meet with the speakers and report back; Burns and Decola were directed to leave contact details with city staff for scheduling.
