Cat Utopia seeks $1,500 for Trap‑Neuter‑Return; commissioners to consider during budget

Beverly Beach, representing Cat Utopia, asked the Union County Board of Commissioners April 15 for $1,500 to support Trap‑Neuter‑Return (TNR) services for feral cats. Beach said the group has been funding TNR through donations and yard sales, currently subsidizing procedures at the Animal Health Center at $30 per female and $20 per male, and that the City of La Grande contributed $1,350 to support trapping inside city limits.

"Cat Utopia is requesting funding in the amount of $1,500 from the county to assist in the feral cat population," Beach told commissioners and asked to appear at a future work session to discuss cat ordinances. Commissioner Paul Anderes recused himself from the portion of the discussion related to a planned trapping area because he would personally benefit, and commissioners discussed that rabies vaccination is required by ordinance though Beach said she does not recall local rabies cases. Chair R. Matthew Scarfo and Commissioner Jake Seavert thanked Beach for the work and agreed to consider the request during budget season rather than take immediate action.

Beach said Cat Utopia currently is not taking kittens because of a 42‑kitten waiting list and that eight feral mothers in the county need TNR. Administrative Officer Shelley Burgess clarified that, if the board wants the request included in budget deliberations, no motion is required; staff will place it on the budget docket for consideration.