Feral and homeless cats are a result of natural increase and a continued influx of abandoned and stray unsterilized cats. This population has been created and perpetuated by human failure to control the breeding of and take responsibility for owned cats. The non-lethal trap, neuter and return method for managing colonies is a humane and effective method to control and reduce the population of homeless cats in colonies. Sterilization decreases nuisance behaviors like roaming, marking, yowling and fighting. Vaccination and ongoing monitoring of the colonies decrease public health and safety issues while providing for the welfare of the cats themselves. 

Definitions:

Feral or homeless cat colony: a group of feral, homeless or untamed cats.

Managed cat colony: a cat or group of cats managed using trap, neuter and return as outlined in the caregiver management practices (below). 

Colony Caregiver: person, agency or animal control agent in compliance with managed cat colony caregiver practices.

Related ordinances:

Running at large. Exempt managed colonies. 

Licensing of pets: cats in managed colonies would be exempt. Registration of caretakers is substituted.

Colony Caregivers of managed cat colonies shall implement proper management practices as follows:

1. Regularly feeds and waters or arranges for feeding the cats including on weekends and holidays. Feeding areas should be inconspicuous and kept clean and neat.

2. Provides shelter from the weather as needed.

3. Humanely traps, or makes a reasonable effort to trap all cats in the colony over eight (8) weeks and has them spayed or neutered.

4. Identifies all spayed/neutered cats by ear tipping or ear notching. Microchipping is strongly recommended to ensure that cats can be returned to the caretaker.

5. Takes steps that are reasonably likely to result in vaccination of all cats in the colony according to state and local laws.

      a. All cats must be vaccinated at the time of spay/neuter

      b. Makes a reasonable effort to humanely trap and re-vaccinate cats.

6. Observes cats at feeding times and makes every effort to humanely trap as necessary and get veterinary care, including euthanasia if needed, for sick or injured cats in the colony.

7. Monitors the colony for new cats and kittens and provides care as listed above.

8. Obtains the approval of the owner of any property to which the Caregiver requires access to provide colony care.

9. Maintains proof of sterilization and vaccination. These records must be shown to animal control or the registering entity within 24 hours of request.

9. Registers with the Brazos Animal Shelter. 

Disposition of colony cats: 

An animal control officer who has trapped a cat whose ear has been tipped or notched: 

   will return the cat to the colony unless veterinary care is required or the caregiver is not in compliance with managed colony practices.

Complaints, failure to comply with management practices: 

   Caretakers will have one year to comply after this ordinance is passed.

   An animal control officer will determine if the description of the cat matches the description of the cat given by the complainant. 

   If a cat is from a managed colony and is creating a nuisance, then the caregiver and sponsor (registration group) have 60 days to remove and relocate the cat. If, after 60 days the nuisance continues, the cat can be removed from the colony.

   If the registered caregiver regularly fails to comply with the requirements for managed colonies, there will be a 60 day period to find a replacement or substitute caregiver.

   If the caregiver fails to comply with the requirements for managed colonies, the designated agency (registration entity) will be notified at least one business day before removal of any animal. The designated agency will attempt to resolve the situation prior to removal of the cats by animal control.