Editorial
Free roaming cats, also referred to as community cats, present a challenge to the health and safety of county citizens, as well as the health and safety of the cats. In order to confront this challenge with a new approach, the Polk Board of County Commissioners needs to approve a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, & Release (TNVR) program.
BUT Sheriff Grady Judd refuses to even talk to anyone about this proven program.
And the County Commissioners are afraid of Judd.
So we have a sheriff that is above the law and county commissioners that are wimps.
It’s time to wake up TNVR works.
The Lakeland Gazette has asked for an interview with Sheriff Grady Judd (6 times). So what is Judd hiding the inability to answer real questions on a program that would save taxpayer dollars?
Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Lee, Collier, and Sarasota Counties all have TNVR programs
Under the TNVR program, individual citizens and groups that provide food and care for feral or “community cats” can legally do so under the new ordinance. TNVR activities and programs are authorized in Pinellas County with the following guidelines:
- A community cat is any feral or free-roaming cat that is cared for by one or more individual caregivers, provided that the cat is sterilized, up to date on rabies vaccination, and distinguished from other cats by being ear-tipped and tattooed.
- Community cats are exempt from the county ordinances for being at large outdoors and being abandoned.
- Community cats are exempt from the county licensing requirement. But caregivers must maintain a record of up-to-date rabies vaccination.
- If a community cat is impounded, it shall be held for seven days including the day of impoundment. A caregiver may redeem a community cat.
- The first time a community cat is impounded, the community cat will be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies in accordance with the applicable law.
- All community cat locations must be maintained on the private property of the caregiver or on property belonging to another landowner with that landowner’s permission.
- A community cat must not be released within 150 yards of any park, conservation land, beach, wildlife area, daycare center, or elementary school.
- Community cats must be provided with basic necessities on a regular and ongoing basis, including but not limited to, proper nutrition and medical care.
- Food must be maintained in proper feeding containers and placed in a manner and for a duration that will not attract wildlife or other animals.
- Water must be provided and must be clean, potable, and free from debris and algae.