Stray cat management ordinance approved in Strasburg
STRASBURG (WJER) (Feb. 21, 2024) – It’s now illegal for anyone other than registered caretakers to feed stray cats in the village.
The combined wildlife feeding ban and TNR ordinance that council has been considering passed 4-to-2 on Tuesday evening with a last-minute revision adding exemptions for squirrels and rabbits.
One of the yes votes came from Wes Hostetler, who was against the measure before the change.
“I am gonna vote no on this because I have relatives, I have a mother-in-law who feeds the squirrels and rabbits and I’m gonna protect my homestead.”
Several organizations had offered to help establish a trap, neuter, and return program in the village to help reduce the number of stray cats roaming around over time. One was the Tuscarawas County TNR project, whose leaders made it clear at previous council meetings that they won’t expand the operation into communities that criminalize feeding.
Residents wanting to become registered cat caretakers should contact Mayor Bruce Metzger, who plans to set up an informational session with representatives from the organizations still willing to assist with the effort.