HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10087 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10087
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council January 9, 2018
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*a SUBJECT: FERAL AND STRAY CATS
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On December 12, 2017, City Council requested an update on the City's policy for feral cats. For a
number of years, the City tested various feral cat programs to address overcrowding and high
euthanasia rates at the shelter. In 2012, following a number of widely attended public meetings,
City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20501-11-2012 allowing Trap Neuter Return (TNR) by Fort
Worth residents.
While the adoption of the ordinance permitted TNR, the shelter continued to receive a large
number of feral cats which perpetuated overcrowding and a high feline euthanasia rate. In
response, the City actively sought out grants for rescue groups and non-profits. While there was
some positive outcome from this effort, the City needed to explore other options.
Working with non-profits and community partners, the City pioneered a new concept of Return to
Field (RTF), a concept which is now accepted as a model around the country. RTF recognizes
fewer than 2% of cats coming into a shelter are reclaimed by their owners; therefore, all non-
nuisance/age and health appropriate at-large cats are exempted from a stray hold and are
sterilized, microchipped, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned regardless of whether they are
friendly or feral.
The City continues to impound domestic cats whose owners are no longer able to care for them.
These cats are adopted, transferred to one of our partner organizations, placed in a barn cat
program or humanely euthanized. Sick and injured cats are impounded and euthanized to
prevent suffering.
Reported feral cat nuisances are investigated by Animal Care and Control Officers. Sometimes
these reports uncover animal hoarding, inappropriate caretaking practices and other practices
that are harmful to the animals and community.
Feral cat nuisances and solutions are complex. Each case has unique variables and obstacles to
overcome. However, since the adoption of the ordinance in 2012, the City has achieved a live
release rate of 91% at the shelter, relieved overcrowding and improved the health and
management of community and feral cat programs. For more information, please contact Dr.
Timothy Morton, Assistant Code Compliance Director, at 817-392-7204.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS