HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS HEAR FROM SOME WHO OPPOSE NEW STRAY CAT ORDINANCE

Hempfield Township supervisors heard from some who oppose a new ordinance that deals with the care of stray cats.  The Trib reports that in September, an amendment to an ordinance was passed to allow for fines to be levied against residents who cared for a stray cat “in a manner that creates or contributes to a nuisance or otherwise endangers the public health, safety or welfare.” It establishes that anyone who feeds, harbors, shelters or cares for a stray cat is deemed the owner of the animal. Violations are subject to fines ranging from $50 to $600.Those opposing the ordinance amendment have described it as a “feeding ban.” Advocates pushed supervisors to consider working with local groups that offer services to trap, spay/neuter and return the felines.