Naugatuck Considers Feral Cat Ordinance

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Naugatuck couple has met with Mayor Pete Hess concerning what they say is a feral cat problem in their neighborhood, according to Board of Selectmen meeting minutes from September.

In the meeting minutes, it states that, "They would like the borough to consider adopting a Feral and Domestic Cat Ordinance that fines people if they choose to feed feral cats."

Hess said the borough attorney would write an ordinance similar to one adopted in Newington, Connecticut. A public hearing would be held and the board would then vote to adopt the ordinance. The mayor asked the burgesses for their input on adopting such an ordinance.

Burgess Hoff asked if the ordinance will place the burden on our Animal Control Office to pick up the cats, house them and pay for the vet bills, meeting minutes state. She doesn’t know if an ordinance will solve the problem, meeting minutes state.

Deputy Mayor Neth said we should call Newington and ask how the ordinance is working in their town and what costs the town has to incur, according to meeting minutes.

Burgess Vitale suggested we refer the matter to the Police Commission. Deputy Police Chief Joshua Bernegger said Animal Control would capture the cats, take them to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered and then release the cats back in the neighborhood where they were captured. The deputy chief will contact Newington to discuss the ordinance.