The City of Martinsville is surveying residents to learn more about feral cat colonies within the city limits as officials explore possible ways to address the issue. The survey is designed to identify the depth of the cat population, the health of felines in colonies, and where the populations need the most help.
The survey, posted on the Martinsville City Animal Shelter page, asks residents to report the locations and sizes of cat colonies, the animals’ condition and whether anyone is providing food or care.
Animal Control Officer Christina Frick said the city is in the early stages of considering a trap-neuter-release program and is collecting information needed to determine whether such a program would be feasible.
“Right now, we are just looking into the feasibility of a trap-neuter-release,” Frick said. “We know that we’ve got a cat problem.”
Frick said the city does not have a place to house cats, while the county currently cannot keep cats. She said the survey data could be needed when the city applies for grants.
The city has received responses identifying more than 350 cats, Frick said, though the survey remains open.
Frick said animal control receives numerous calls about feral cats, cat colonies and cats living on residents’ property. Some reports involve colonies of 30 or more cats and kittens, she said.
She said the survey also asks whether someone cares for the cats in a colony. If no one is providing food, Frick said she wants to make sure animals are not suffering or starving.
“But the goal is to help,” Frick said. “We created the problem, so we’re responsible for fixing it ultimately.”
Frick said some residents have trapped cats and taken them to be spayed or neutered on their own, an effort that can be costly.
She estimated that the low-end cost of sterilizing a cat is about $75. Based on the number of cats reported so far, she said, a trap-neuter-release effort could cost $25,000 to $30,000, in addition to the need for veterinarians able to handle the number of animals.
Frick said the city is not trying to cause trouble for residents caring for cats.
“I could never fault somebody for trying to do the right thing and take care of an animal,” she said. “Especially if they’re friendly, you’re just trying your best to do something for the community and for that animal.”
Police Chief Chad Rhoads said the city is still early in the process of identifying a response.
“We know there is a problem. No doubt,” Rhoads said.
He said officials also must consider unintended consequences of removing feral cat colonies, including a possible increase in rats. Rhoads noted that a cat colony has been fed for decades near Clay Street in Uptown.
“We’re going to try and figure out the best solution,” he said.
Residents can find the survey online at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094002469820.
