LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Clark County Animal Control looks to zero in on nuisance cat colonies across the Las Vegas Valley, while rescue groups call for officials to address the root causes behind overpopulation issues and neighborhood challenges.
According to the Animal Foundation, there are 200,000 “community cats” in colonies across the Las Vegas Valley.
“We would like to add criteria to declare a cat colony a nuisance…This [proposed change] would define that nuisance,” Jim Andersen of Animal Protection Services said during the September 3 County Commission meeting, proposing numerous changes to the County’s Title 10, which governs animal laws. Commissioners are currently looking to impose hefty fines for illegal breeders and mandatory microchips for pets to curb the Las Vegas Valley animal welfare crisis.
County officials tell FOX5, the proposed language or any changes are still a work in progress. Nuisance cat colonies are defined by noise, fighting, or causing messes and damage to properties, according to county code.
“Animal Protection Services often works with the feral cat colony caregivers/feeders in an effort to reduce or eliminate complaints about cat colonies,” a spokesperson emailed to FOX5.
At the same county commission meeting and beyond, cat rescue groups continue to call for more funding for “TNR,” or trapping and releasing, to make sure feral cats stop breeding and exacerbating current problems.
“That’s only that’s the only thing that’s going to help us in this situation. Cats, every day, are out there having babies, are out there getting injured. They’re out there getting sick, and it’s just a very sad time for all of us right now and the cats,” said Nancie Anastopoulos of Community Cat Angels, who would like low-cost options for rescue groups that perform TNR.
According to a Clark County spokesperson, the county annually provides $180,000 to Heaven Can Wait Animal Society for TNR. “It’s partially funded by the DMV Spay/Neuter Specialty license plate for low cost spay/neuter to residents and also includes funding to spay/neuter 6,500 feral cats for the TNR program,” a spokesperson emailed to FOX5.
According to the Animal Foundation, TNR reduces fighting, spraying and roaming among feral cats.
“Community cats deserve to live their lives outside as they have for many years. Indoor homes are not an option because they have not been socialized to live with humans. The only humane and effective approach to community cats is TNR,” said Kelsey Pizzi of the Animal Foundation to FOX5.
Several animal rescue groups tell FOX5, certain homeowners and properties are to blame for nuisance cat colonies, and want Animal Control officers to continue crackdowns: the homeowners feed cats and encourage them to gather and breed. The growing colonies also cause issues for neighbors.
We call them ‘feeder breeders.’ Feeding is not enough. If you’re going to feed the cats, you need to fix the cats. And if you don’t do that, then you’re not doing the cats any favors. In fact, you’re being negligent,” Anastopoulos said.
The proposed ordinance amendments could be presented to county leaders in three months.
What can homeowners do, if they have concerns over cat colonies?
The Animal Foundation said you can contact them for assistance with TNR. Click here: Community Cats
Animal Control said, if there are problems with a cat colony in an area, residents may be asked to feed in a nearby location, or remove feeding bowls in between feedings.
If a resident has issues with cats coming onto their property, they can purchase cat deterrents, and remove food and water sources, bedding or anything else that may attract cats, a spokesperson said.
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