Medicine Hat city council heard from condo owners upset with rising utility bills on Monday before addressing lingering legislative changes on feeding urban wildlife and allowing trap, neuter and release programs to control stray cat populations.--News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
A trap, neuter and release program that would see humane societies sweep city areas with large feral cat populations could go ahead after bylaw changes were approved unanimously on Monday.
That’s after councillors added requirements that humane societies comply with Alberta Veterinary Association standards, which the groups say would be have been met anyway.
“It gets them on board and ensures cats will get medical care,” said Linda Tooth, a vice-president of the Medicine Hat SPCA who attended the vote that had been delayed since June.
“We’re happy that it helped bring it forward.”
In July, representatives from the SPCA and city-pound contract operator APARC told council they supported the change in the bylaw – allowing groups to release an ownerless animal in the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw – as a responsible way to keep stray populations from growing.
Eventually, they said, after vaccinated feral cats were released back to areas to prevent further breeding, populations would eventually lower.
But, councillors say they’ve heard “passionate” arguments for and opposing the program.
Coun. Andy McGrogan said the issue has been the “most emotional” of the term, and formally proposed including the Alberta Veterinary Association recommendations for such programs in to the bylaw.
“I’ve spend a lot of time talking to people who are adamant for and against,” he said.
“It’s a solution that even those opposed can agree is more humane.”
They include a “community caregiver” to oversee and be responsible for colonies that are targeted, and afterward.
Tooth said “that won’t be a problem, either for myself or others.”
The evening began with an impassioned plea for council to dedicate more money and support to improve spay rates among pet owners.
Hatter Linda Patrick told council in a presentation that stray cats should not be left out to die of exposure, car accidents, or coyotes and other predators.
“I implore you to come forward with more funding for no-kill shelters … put the money towards that instead of putting them back to cause more pain and suffering,” she said.
“We need cats inside and not on the street. More responsible pet owners. We need to support a pay and neuter fund.”
During debate on Monday, council members said the program, administered and paid for by other groups in the city, is an action to deal with the problem.
“We have to be pragmatic,” said Coun. Darren Hirsch. “We have to find a level (of care) that makes sense for Medicine Hatters.”
Coun. Alison Van Dyke said she initially voted against the bylaw so rabbit rescues in the city could be engaged. As it is, she’ll support it now.
“Ideally we’d have unlimited shelter space and homes for all animals, but we don’t,” she said. “We have to make the best and right solution, even if it won’t completely solve the problem.”
Coun. Shila Sharps said that those caring for the cats in the future may face huge costs, and said more action may have to be taken against delinquent pet owners.
“It all comes back to owners and we need to address that,” she said.
Public service head Brian Stauth said changes were asked for by animal welfare groups that will administrate the program.
“The city is not operating this, it was approached by humane societies to consider the bylaw that would allow a TNR program to move ahead,” he said.
“It’s not a city function, but the bylaw (change) would allow an animal to be (released) afterwards … there is no funding ask for the city.”
