Granby Police, city dealing with CAT-astrophic situation

(From the Granby Police Department)

There has been quite a bit of talk lately regarding cats in the community, so we wanted to take some time to provide information for cat owners, both as a way to help control the cat population, and to answer any questions people may have regarding cat ownership.

There is a group forming which is hoping to address the feral cat problem by instituting a trap-neuter-release program (TNR). Their hope is to work with cat “owners” as defined by state law to help control the feral cat population by either TNR or through reducing the amount of food sources the feral population has access to, which when combined with a TNR, should cause a noticeable reduction in the feral cat population. We hope to have more information on their proposed program in coming weeks.

What defines ownership of a cat? According to state law, an “owner” of an animal is anyone who feeds or shelters an animal for three or more days consecutively, or claims to (RSMo 578.005). Why is this important? 

According to state law, all owners of animals are required to provide “adequate care.” This means clean water, wholesome food, proper medical needs, and adequate shelter. 

An owner is also required to provide “adequate control” which is to reasonable restrain or govern the animal so as not to injure itself, others, people, or property. 

City ordinance goes one step further in defining “adequate control” and, just like with dogs, all cats are to be leashed when off the property of the owner. (As a reminder, residences are also limited to a total of 4 pets, whether it’s cats, dogs, or a mix. Not 4 of each.)

So what does all of this mean when combined together? It means if you are regularly feeding stray cats, you own them and must comply with all applicable laws for such ownership as previously described. 

We want to encourage everyone that has indoor cats which are often left outdoors, to take proper care to ensure they are not running at large with the feral cat population. It is your responsibility as an owner to provide adequate control as well. 

We have many feral cats roaming town, and it is not generally possible to identify a feral from someone’s pet. If your pet is captured as part of a TNR effort, you may be liable for any costs and/or fines associated with allowing your cat to roam free.

Our goal with this information is to educate cat owners and obtain voluntary compliance to reduce the overall feral cat population. We want to thank everyone for doing your part to help.