South Brunswick Works On Ordinance Supporting Care Of Feral, Stray Cats

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick has a cat problem. Recently, a few residents went to Council asking about a proposed Trap, Neuter, Release ordinance to curb the problem of stray and feral cats in town.

A year ago, a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Manage ordinance was defeated by the council after members felt they couldn’t accommodate demands from the ad hoc committee which represent local feline caretakers.

But residents have been vocal about getting a new and updated ordinance so people could care for strays.

Local groups have been working with lawyers from Alley Cat Allies and the township to try and come up with an ordinance that was not as “burdensome” as the previously proposed ordinance.

“We need to do something to make it legal and proper for people to take care of these cats. I would like to know what the latest news is and what we can do to facilitate getting something done,” a resident asked council.

Officials said that township attorneys have been working with the lawyer from the Alley Cat Allies, and the new ordinance is about as far as the town can “safely go in presenting it.”

“We can certainly bring it before the council and have a meeting with the advocates to go over the final or last version we have. I think there’s a discussion to be had on whether actually putting one in place is really the best thing to do,” the township attorney said.

Advocates advised educating residents about the ordinance and how they should care for the strays in their own habitat.

Resident Kathleen Gallagher said she was disappointed at the delay in bringing the ordinance.

Mayor Charlie Carley said the township was working towards an ordinance but “it’s complicated.”

“There are a great many people who have affection for feral cats and go out of their way to aid them,” Carley said. "I’m on your side but at the same time I don’t want to run around the house like it’s burning down because it’s not.”

Carley said the township is working hard to bring an ordinance that is legally sound and that is taking much time.

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