Resident describes chronic animal-control problem; town exploring low-cost neuter/trap options

At the council meeting, resident Kathy Bridgen said she has lived in New Chicago since 2020 and described recurring problems with feral and unneutered animals that have damaged property, left waste and created health concerns. Bridgen said she paid $180 for a motion-activated sprinkler and has trapped and turned over animals to the Humane Society. "My porch smells like piss," she told the council, and she said the Humane Society and county animal-control capacity limit town options.

Bridgen said community partners are exploring low-cost neuter programs and mobile spay/neuter services with targeted per-animal fees; staff confirmed they have been in discussions but noted cost and logistical constraints. Council members and staff asked residents to report incidents and to use a process (scanning receipts and emailing them) for drivers who pay late licensing to clear pending court cases when licensing is obtained. The town said it will continue to seek partner options for trap-neuter-return and lower-cost neutering for residents who help capture animals.