LSACAB Looking for Feral Cat Solutions

A feral cat problem exists in our area

Lower Southampton pet lovers do agree feral cats running wild in the industrial parks, neighborhoods and recreation areas are a nuisance.  Feral cats are the offspring of abandoned and unwanted pets by irresponsible owners.

The Lower Southampton Animal Control Advisory Board [LSACAB], who believes in animal welfare, has been pondering an idea with what to do about the feral cats, and wonder whether a city-wide pet sterilization program would help get the population under control.

So the question arises, should the township create an ordinance requiring residents to spay or neuter their pets? 

If all cat owners fixed their animals, then the cats being dumped in these areas by irresponsible owners would not be able to reproduce.  By spaying and neutering colonies, it has been proven over time, the colony would disappear.

A mandatory spay and neuter ordinance is really the only way to solve the problem, because not everyone is responsible about their animals.

We are speaking about little defenseless animals being killed in shelter’s every day. Kittens, dogs, puppies – animals that are unwanted and neglected.  We can not rely on people to act responsibly and sometimes the law has to step in to protect animal welfare. 

Is there a reason why the local government should get involved?  Would creating this type of ordinance be intrusive onto the residents? To their citizen’s right to do what they wish with their property, the animals in their care?

How could a sterilization ordinance be enforced?

Some states and cities already have laws requiring that pet owners spay or neuter their animals, but are they successful?

Would these force owners who can not afford spaying and neutering their pet to give their beloved pet up?

The ACAB is currently studying on various areas of our country who have mandatory spaying and neutering, in finding a sound and reasonable solution.  As well as in research to finding ways to collect funds that would support such an ordinance, while not burden the residents of the area with the cost and to make low-cost sterilization more affordable.

Setting fines or other penalties for those who don't comply with the ordinance, which would help incur some of the costs for the spaying and neutering.

The economy is getting tougher. People are being laid off, losing their jobs and their homes. Pet owners having to give up their pets, due to not being able to care for them, or having to move to a location that will not allow them to have their pets. They are in fear of not finding a home for their pet, and not wanting to take their pet to a kill shelter. They want to be responsible, and sometimes they feel by dropping off their cat in a colony is a more humane solution to their problem.  They do not understand, it is against the law to abandon an animal, which is a $750.00 fine.

By having an spaying and neutering ordinance, while providing a low cost spay/neuter, will help in reducing cats being abandoned, being a nuisance to the residents of the area and will also excel the quality of life for our pets.  

Per Resolution No. 2006-43, The LSTWP Board of Supervisors established an Animal Control Advisory Board [LSACAB] to review complaints, seek out resources for assistance, research regulations and recommend action to the Board of Supervisors.

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