Calls for cat license ordinance in city

Vox Pop

The bird-killing, free-roaming, pretty calico-tabby cat, who was fed by a neighbor out of pity, survived last winter. Last evening, she walked up my street, followed by two of her nearly mature young.

This winter, there’ll be at least three cats who need feeding to survive, because there’s at least one more in the neighborhood. They could probably be live-trapped, especially if they begin starving. But the shelter’s always full of cats that are adoptable or likely to become adoptable. These would probably never become tame enough.

Last November 3, after much difficulty in finding out how to communicate with my City Council members, I sent an email requesting an all-out drive for a cat license ordinance (I’m amazed I tried again!) because I’m sick to death of knowing these community members are freezing and starving. I also said I want a cat license ordinance because the dog license ordinance that prevents dogs from running free and freezing and starving seems extremely effective. I also said I found online that many Wisconsin communities have both cat and dog license ordinances. No reply.

On March 11, I sent the email again adding that I’d regard it as an insult if there was no reply. After being insulted, I called City Hall asking if there was a way for me to be certain that my Representatives received my emails. I was told that was possible and that the email accounts would be checked. Luckily, I asked if I’d be notified of the results and was told I’d receive a phone call . . . for which I’m yet waiting.

— Michael J Riegert, Medford