CLEARFIELD – The topic of stray cats reared its head again at Thursday’s Clearfield Borough Council committees meetings.
During the public comment segment of the meeting Gail Black, on behalf of her elderly mother, told council about the problem her mother is having with stray cats.
According to black there are about six-to-eight stray cats that come into her mother’s yard, spraying it and defecating in it. She said that her mother was having anxiety issues due to the cats and that she was unable to enjoy her garden vegetables due to the cat feces.
“They dominate her life now,” said Black.
Black indicated that a neighbor was feeding the cats, while another was calling them in to their garage at night.
She said that she has been in touch with Code Enforcement Officer Larry Mack and the borough’s animal control officer. She indicated that Police Chief Jeff Rhone had also been called in one instance.
According to Mack, code states that it is unlawful for an animal’s owner to let the animal run free on any yard or roadway but their own, unless the animal is wearing a leash.
“Can we do anything to the people feeding them,” asked Fred Wisor, council member.
Mack stated that if a person feeds a cat for 48-hours, the animal becomes that person’s responsibility. He said that to prosecute he needs to catch the person in the act.
Mack said that he’s trying to find a solution that’s fair to both animal and human. He said that he’s currently reviewing a number of ordinances from other municipalities to help reach a solution.