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Tuxedo hearing on proposed animal regulation draws breeder and feral-cat concerns
Summary
Residents at a March 11 public hearing urged clarity in enforcement for hobby breeders and raised questions about responsibility for feral cat colonies; the board kept the introductory animal regulation hearing open to March 25, 2026.
The Town of Tuxedo opened a public hearing March 11 on an Introductory Local Law titled "Regulation of Animals." Supervisor David McMillen moved to open the hearing, Deputy Supervisor Deirdre Murphy seconded, and the motion carried 3 Ayes, 0 Nays, 2 Absent.
Resident Marie Warniaha, who identified herself as a hobby dog breeder, told the board she is "not a commercial breeder or 'puppy mill,'" said she owns two dogs that participate in shows and therapy work, and asked how the proposed penalty structure would treat responsible, noncommercial breeders — noting she saw no explicit warning for a first violation in the draft. The board said enforcement would be situational and at the discretion of the animal control officer.
Resident Claudia Bakhtiary raised concerns about feral cat colonies and owner abandonment, saying volunteers currently trap, spay/neuter and release cats at private expense and asking whether the code should include guidance on feeding or abandonment. Town officials responded that feral-cat regulation is difficult to enforce by local law and is commonly handled case-by-case by the animal control officer.
After public comment the board voted to keep the hearing open until March 25, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. for further consideration and public input.
