We have a “cat lady” that lives next door to us.

During last year’s cold winter, she started leaving scraps of left-overs out on a paper plate for the neighborhood strays.

Naturally knowing there was a free meal to be had, they came in droves – and since I live in a townhouse community – some came scratching on our door and making living quarters under our deck and on top of our barbecue.

So we talked to the woman. She told us that in Russia, where she’s from, the towns just scoop them up and bring them to be euthanized.

That’s why she feeds them.

So, seeing is how she wasn’t going to cooperate after numerous times we’d spoken to her; we called the property manager to find out what can be done.

We were told that they’d provide a cage that the cats would go into, which would eventually be picked up by animal control; but there would be no guarantee it would work.
Seems that some folks who take pity on the cats, knowing they’ll be trapped in those cages, set them free at night allowing them to roam free once again.

So then, what to do?

Well, in an attempt to do something, the tony burg of West Orange has placed a ban on feeding strays, this after receiving close to 500 complaints about strays and folks that feed them.

It’s an ongoing debate, not only here, but in towns across America.

Some have endorsed the TNR, or trap, neuter, and release program, which would, at the very least, prevent them from multiplying.

You’d still have the issue of folks feeding them and letting them fend for themselves – but at least you won’t have kittens following along.

Add to that the possibility that those strays could still possibly carry rabies and other diseases.

The state Office of Animal Welfare does address the issue on its website giving a few suggestions on how to deal with the issue, but doesn’t endorse any one in particular.

I guess until then, unless you can catch and fine the offenders, a complete ban on feeding strays will be just a mere band aid as winter approaches.

What's your suggestion?

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