CHATHAM CO., GA (WTOC) -
A new task force is set to take on the issue of feral cats. The Chatham County Commission gave their approval for a committee on Friday. Although no one was formally named to it, commissioners say they will be responsible for researching feral cat colonies and how to manage them.
Feral cats reign supreme in many neighborhoods and wooded areas around Chatham County. And there may be a good reason why. Chatham Co. commissioners say right now, there is no ordinance that addresses feral cats or the people who may care for them.
District One County Commissioner Helen Stone said there's not even an ordinance that addresses indoor cats.
Stone says she is an animal lover but also a public servant. She believes the county needs to decide if feral cats are legal or illegal, among many other things.
"We're going to have to look at it from all sides," Stone explained. "What the cost factor of rounding up and relocating these cats might be. and whether that's feasible. What the cost would be to adequately vaccinate these animals and how that's going to be monitored. There are many issues," she added.
Stone also told WTOC that her view on feral cats was taken out of context at the last commission meeting. Stone said she never advised folks to round up feral cats and euthanize them.
The cats became a hot topic recently because of a rabies scare.
Many people at Friday's meeting said just figuring out what to do with feral cats won't fix any issues.
"These cats are feral through no fault of their own," explained Kathryn Williams. "If we are to be successful in managing these colonies, we need to get a spay and neuter clinic in this county."
"I think management is the key," said Lynn Gensamer, executive director for the Humane Society of Greater Savannah. "Management is controlling over population, dealing with nuisance animals, and dealing with people who think they are helping by feeding the feral cats, but don't know what they're doing. "
Many people said other issues that will also need to be addressed in the new ordinance are keeping accurate and up to date records of cats who have been vaccinated, defining what is personal versus private property, and establishing stricter standards for those who abandon their animals, among other things.
But many also admitted that there may be no perfect solution for feral cats.
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