New Cumberland hopes to address stray cat issue
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NEW CUMBERLAND - New Cumberland officials are putting together a program to address a growing concern with stray or feral cats in the city.
The issue was among those brought up during Monday's city council meeting.
Police Chief Lester Skinner said he and others from the city are hoping to establish a cooperative effort with the Hancock County Humane Foundation and the Hancock County Animal Shelter to assist in the plan.
"It's a work in progress," Skinner said.
Mayor Will White explained much of the focus is in the city's southern end, in particular in the area between the youth baseball field and the city's wastewater treatment plant, although some on council say they think feline population may be spreading out.
"They're coming up by my house now," Councilmember Penny Spilecki said, noting she has been seeing an increasing number of cats in her neighborhood. "It used to be one. Now we're seeing six or more."
Council opted Monday to propose a $500 donation to the Humane Foundation, if an agreement for assistance can be arranged, to go toward beginning a program to trap and either spay or neuter the cats, and then release them, if warranted.
The money would go toward the costs of the spay or neuter procedures, with New Cumberland City Clerk Tammy Jenkins saying she had been quoted a cost of $100 per spay surgery.
Officials admitted those funds would only cover the costs of a few cats, but said it will be a step toward addressing the concern, and if more funding is needed, they can continue discussions later on.
"This will at least get us started," Skinner said.
Councilman Mike Watkins recalled the city previously had been approached by an individual who organized a similar program from Pennsylvania, which may also be an option if needed.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)