Based on the success of the first round, and the escalating need to address the stray cat problem in Orillia, Council has voted to implement a Trap Neuter Vaccinate and Release program in 2011
The motion was introduced during last nights Council meeting (MON) by Councillor Michael Fogarty – who also sits on the now dissolved Ad Hoc Cat Control Committee.
The Committee found the best way to deal with the issue of stray and feral cats is to trap them and then vaccinate and neuter the males before releasing them.
Councillor Andrew Hill asked why the feral cats couldn’t simply be euthanized – seeing as how in the first round of the program nearly 40 fetuses were aborted rather than simply adopting out the kittens once they were born.
Councillor Fogarty says the committee did in fact look at euthanasia – but concluded that would not solve the problem.
Fogarty says cats are often seen as disposable pets by a lot of people – and even if every feral/stray cat were to be put down today, the problem would be back again next year.
The Trap Neuter Vaccinate and Release program has a budget of 20 thousand dollars for 2011.
