§ 4-18. Community cat initiative.

The county acknowledges that there is currently a strong need to address issues presented by feral,free-roaming, and other community cats. To that end, it recognizes the need for multi-tiered programs that not only work to address the issues of feral, free-roaming, and other community cats, but also the need to educate and bring awareness to cat caregivers to stabilize populations of colonies. Therefore, this section establishes the following requirements:

(1)

A no cost community cat caregiver certification program will be developed and maintained to educate people about community cats, the importance of a veterinary provider relationship to best address community cat needs, common disease(s) and proper care, good management practices, and maintenance of the community cats.

(2)

All cats that are part of community cat management programs must be sterilized, vaccinated against the threat of rabies, and ear-tipped (preferable on the left ear) for easy identification; if these requirements are met, the community cat is exempted from licensing, stray, at-large and other provisions of this article that apply to owned animals.

(3)

Community cat caregivers should provide certain necessities on a regular/ongoing basis, including, but not limited to, proper nutrition and medical care as needed.

a.

Food shall be provided in the proper quantity for the number of cats being managed and is to be supplied no less than once per day. Food must be maintained in proper feeding containers.

b.

Water, if supplied, must be clean, potable and free from debris and algae.

c.

The feeding of community cats should take place primarily during daylight hours to minimize the risk of domestic-wildlife interactions that have increased potential of rabies exposure for the cats. Any food provided after daylight hours shall only be provided for such time required for feeding, and no longer than thirty (30) minutes, after which it shall be removed.

d.

Feeding outdoors is only allowed when an appropriate amount of food for daily consumption of the cat(s) being cared for is provided. Food must be appropriately placed in sanitary containers sufficient for the cat being fed. Automatic feeders that are properly maintained and secured may be used to dispense daily food rations and may be present during night hours.

e.

Dumping excessive quantities of food on the ground, placing excess quantities in bowls or other containers and leaving open food packages is prohibited.

f.

If shelter is provided, it shall be unobtrusive, safe, and of the proper size for the cat(s).

(4)

Community cat caregivers must feed only on their property or with the permission of another landowner (city, state or federal public property).

(5)

Community cat caregivers shall not be deemed to own, have custody, care or control of community cats.

(6)

Community cat caregivers may redeem community cats from the shelter without proof of ownership and are exempt from charges and/or fees.

(Ord. No. 18-21, § 1, 8-7-2018)