We have had an on-going presence of feral cats in section 2 for a few years now. A compassionate, well-meaning neighbor feeds the cats & may be unaware of the tragic consequences of this practice. The beneficial, insect-eating songbirds & lizards are rapidly disappearing from our gardens. The fledglings, learning to fly are in particular danger. We have had 2 sets of sick kittens delivered to our backyard by the same feral mother since July.
It's important that our soft-hearted neighbors understand the city ordinance that governs the feeding of feral cats. It is pretty compassionate for a city this size. Basically it states that anyone feeding strays must be responsible for them. This means participating in BARC's "Feral Cat TNR Program". "A Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) program is a program approved by the Director of BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions in which feral cats are humanely trapped, evaluated, vaccinated, sterilized, and marked by an identifying notch in the left ear, all administered by a veterinarian, and returned to the trap location. TNR is a proven method that is both humane and effective." Also "Any citizen feeding feral cats must be actively working towards getting all cats in the colony spayed and neutered ... must be feeding in a way that does not attract raccoons or possums ... and submit an application to become an official colony manager."
For more information on the law, visit BARC's website: http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/fctp_feralcat_tnr.php
According to Houston City Ordinance section 6-22, "It shall be unlawful for any person intentionally to cause, suffer, or permit the maintenance of an attractive environment for the assembly of a congregation of unconfined and unlicensed stray cats or dogs by the placement of dog food or cat food," however colony managers who follow city TNR guidelines are permitted to feed feral cats "subject to a trap, neuter, and return program approved by the Director."
Compliance with this program's guidelines is in the best interest of the cats, the neighborhood wildlife & residents.
Perhaps a mention in the newsletter would be helpful in reminding all residents that feeding strays also comes with responsibility & accountability... otherwise you may be fined.
