LaGrange Seeks to Put Limits on Those Who Feed Feral Cats

LaGrange residents who feed feral cat colonies will have to abide by new village rules designed to prevent nuisance wildlife, namely coyotes and raccoons, from being lured into the neighborhoods.

Frank Holas says he's been feeding strays since 1984 and he asked village trustees this week for more time to debate the provisions, which limit residents to caring for nine feral cats. Village officials say colonies that grow larger than that will be handled as they arise.

"This has been an issue in the public domain in this venue and others for quite some time," Village President Tom Livingston told Holas at the April 28 board meeting. "We believe we have crafted a reasonable approach and would be willing to work with you in the future."

Holas told Sun-Times Media before the meeting that he has fed raccoons and foxes meals of hot dogs and crackers. And he's fed as many as 28 cats at a time in his yard.