“KINGSTON CATS”

City of Kingston

CAT Advisory Task Force

420 Broadway, Kingston, New York 12401

From: Chairman Jean Jacobs and Cat Task Force Members

Date: July 2011

UPDATE AND OVERVIEW

In September 2010 Mayor Sottile vetoed legislation Section -1 That Section 151, Article V of the City Code of the City of Kingston (Article V Cat Control) that would have made cats without identification of ownership subject to seizure. Mayor Sottile cited a lack of enforcement resources. Mayor said,” the legislation was vetoed because the City did not have the finances and a plan in place to oversee and enforce the law”. The Mayor ensured that resources would be found and put in a dedicated account with city clerk to assist the panel in their long term-solutions.

On November 8, 2010 the Honorable Mayor James Sottile forwarded a letter addressing the matter of managing the feral cat population in the City of Kingston. Now that we have a number of volunteers interested in assisting the City in establishing measures to take control of the feral cat population the first meeting will be scheduled for November 23, 2010. The Task force would determine method of control, resources and partnerships required legislation that might be required, and any other component for an overall control plan.

Since this time the City of Kingston CAT Task force has conducted their monthly meetings (excluding February 2011) from December 2010 until June 2011. During this time many of the original TASK force members due to family obligations, work schedules, etc. could not continue to attend.

FACTS:

n      UCSPCA Cat Population between 110-and 180. Majority of the UCSPCA residents (90%) are surrendered due to economy or people moving and leaving the area.

n      Estimated Number of Cats in City of Kingston 7,200

n      Estimated Number of Feral Cats in City of Kingston 4,000 and this count grows by the day. (Based on 2010 Statistics) (Best Friends Animal Society)

n      TNR Programs will save Taxpayers Money

n      Feral Cats can reproduce up to 6 times per year.

n      Report for Year 2010 from Marie Post, 213 feral cats TNR: at clinics, veterinary hospitals.

n      TNR Programs supported by municipalities in California, Florida, and Illinois have reduced feral cat populations by 20%-40% in five years.

n      Current Cat Animal Control Plan can not meet the demanding needs or the cost of the feral and abandoned cat population in the City of Kingston.

n      Lack of Continuing Education and Volunteers in the City of Kingston.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

n      Mission Statement

n      Vision Statement

n      Purpose

n      BLOG: http://kingstoncats.blogspot.com

n      “Kingston Cats” Facebook Page”

n      E-Mail Account kingstoncats@yahoo.com

n      Initiated and Drafted a Palm Card for local residents (KINGSTON CATS)

n      Initiated an Agreement with Dr. Arnold Rugg to neuter/spay 4 feral cats weekly

n      Collaboratively working together and Partnering with Brian Shapiro, CEO UCSPCA, UCSPCA Animal Cruelty Enforcement Officer, Marie Post City of Kingston Cat Warden, Kingston Animal Hospital, Dr. Arnold Rugg, City of Kingston Dog Warden and City of Kingston Clerk, Arlene Rion

ROADBLOCKS

n      Lack of information as it relates to the Current Cat Control System in the City of Kingston, i.e.: How many volunteers on the TEAM currently trapping cats within the neighborhoods of Kingston? Lack of community education and volunteers.

n      There are overwhelming pockets of feral cat populations in the City of Kingston. The work of trapping/spaying/neutering, treating cats and then returning them to their environment, or adopting them out is a constant job. The volunteers that accomplish this presently can not handle the demand.

n      Complete financial budget and analysis?

n      Routine Weekly Spay/Neuter appointment system. Current System does not offer Compatible schedules and there are wait time restraints that have a grave affect on the capture of feral cats. Timing is crucial in order to have just one positive outcome with ONE CAT.

n      Responsible Pet Ownership and Responsibility is mandatory.

n      Space and shelter availability at present location is a barrier.

n      Ongoing Cat colony management failing.

SOLUTIONS:

n      The Long Range Plan Consideration and Need for the City of Kingston to govern and manage their own animal shelter.

n      Monthly Newspaper Colum “CAT TALES”

n      Aggressive Adoption Programs so the animals do not remain at the shelter for long periods of time.

n      City of Kingston Ward Captains (Alderman) and Volunteers will be recruited in each Ward to work with each other in arriving at solutions to the feral cat population.

n      Funding should be appropriated and allocated to organize a Non for Profit professional clinic in the City of Kingston. City of Kingston owns many buildings that could be a consideration for the location of a clinic.

n      Long Term Solutions: CAT TASK force will continually Network their efforts through Public relations in Pet shops, Veterinarian offices, Libraries, local neighborhoods, local food stores, post office, City Hall, local radio stations and public media presentations.

n      Alderman Captains to Network and recruit constituents in their Ward. The chemistry and makeup of each Ward is unique to the Feral and Abandoned Cat Population.

n      Continuing Community Educational Workshops including the following: To define the problem, prioritize resources and initiate solutions that change pet owners behaviors

n      An estimate of 36 Traps should be available at all times by Ward.

POSSIBLE LEGISLATION:

n      Mandatory Spay/Neuter of all Out Door CATS in The City Of Kingston with a visual sign (ear clipping that they have been neutered)

n      City of Kingston Ward Volunteer Team Members will report by location stray cats that are found to be a nuisance to their Team Captain, City of Kingston Alderman.

n      The City of Kingston will strive to encourage volunteers to adopt colonies of cats-trapping them with City Traps, getting them spayed/neutered and making sure they have food and water and a warm protected place to stay warm.

n      The City of Kingston will agree to increase community awareness and owner responsibility through education by Ward Alderman and the City of Kingston CAT Advisory Task Force members.

n      Promote best practices among all animal organizations and local veterinarians

n      Implement effective public policies and ordinances

n      Secure revenue generating alternatives through human and financial resources including possible CBDG Grants.

SUMMARY:

Over the last six months the City of Kingston Cat Task Advisory Committee has been involved in many phases of making a difference and arriving at solutions to the increasing feral and abandoned cat population in the City of Kingston. In determining a method of control we must analyze the current spending practices and offer a more secure financial plan for the future with serious consideration to managing our own animal shelter. We must also continue to create partnerships and investigate all revenue generating opportunities required to make this a success story for the residents with careful consideration to tax saving initiatives.