Lewes passes feral cat ordinance

City officials have taken action on what they called a growing feral cat problem on McFee Street in Lewes, before the problem gets too out of control.

Mayor and city council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance June 13 that gives the city manager the authority to humanely trap, remove and relocate feral cats. It also allows for humane euthanasia as a last resort.

Mayor Ted Becker said the feral cat colony has taken occupancy in an unoccupied home. Last fall, he said, 16 cats were trapped, spayed and neutered and returned. Residents say a new litter of kittens is now present at the home and problems persist.

“The problem cannot be solved by a trap, neuter and return method,” McFee Street resident Ann Reed told council. “From the night sounds I'm hearing, this is not the last litter that's going to be on our street. We are at our wit's end.”

Reed said cat litter can be found in the yards, bushes and garages of all neighboring properties.

“I don't like to see any animal treated cruelly,” she said. “But I'm 1,000 percent in favor of this.”

Glenn Mandalas drafted the ordinance, which became effective immediately upon the favorable vote from council. The ordinance prohibits any person or entity trapping feral cats from using foot, leg-hold or snare traps as well as nooses or traps designed to be lethal.

If the city is unable to find a place to relocate the cats, the ordinance requires humane euthanasia.

Becker has been working with the Merrietta Virden Animal Foundation during the ordeal. Through the foundation's recommendation, Becker has found a trapper to remove the McFee Street colony.

Becker has also been in contact with a local animal sanctuary that is very interested in taking most, if not all, of the cats.

“We're not going to apply this in a cavalier way,” he said.

To quell any fears that a pet cat may be taken during a sweep, council added language into the ordinance requiring notice to be posted on the street prior to any trapping. Pet cats are also required to wear a rabies vaccination license or some other form of identification that identifies the name and address of the owner.