Feral Cat Trappings To Begin Amid Complaints: North Haven Police

NORTH HAVEN, CT — The North Haven Animal Control plans to begin trapping feral cats in the Vineyard Road area next week, according to police.

Police posted an update on Facebook regarding the trappings to “address concerns and clarify information.”

Read the full post below:

“In response to numerous inquiries we've received regarding Animal Control trapping feral cats in the Vineyard Road area slated to begin next week, we wanted to take a moment to address concerns and clarify information. The trapping of these cats was prompted by complaints of feral cats in the area, causing unsanitary conditions, as well as danger to domestic animals. In one instance a domesticated dog was attacked, losing an eye and prompting extensive medical bills. Feral cats can carry diseases like rabies, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis, that can be transmitted to humans. Feral cats are poorly acclimated to human beings and other animals. When confined, cornered and approached, these animals may claw or bite in self-defense.

“The trapping of these cats is for the safety and well being of residents and domestic animals / pets, and to curb unsanitary conditions from worsening. Feral cats can damage gardens, lawns, flower beds, cars, and other outdoor equipment.

“On a positive note, we are happy to report several area non-profit organizations have stepped up and contacted the Town of North Haven, willing to assist Animal Control with any trapped cats. These groups will help Animal Control determine the health and well being of the cats, and efforts will be made to have these cats adopted or homed. Our best effort is being made to protect the residents of the affected area, while providing a safe alternative for the cats. We thank those non-profits for their generosity, support and kindness.”

First Selectman Michael Freda released a statement on Facebook later Friday addressing the situation.

Read the full post below:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me take a moment regarding something very negative that happened today.

During a State Wide Mayor’s meeting today, I started to receive text messages to make me aware about a post sent out here on FB from our Animal Control about a trap program initiative involving a Public Act that allows them to trap Feral cats and euthanize them after a 7 day period.

As former Chairman for 5 years of the State Task Force on the Humane Treatment of Animals and a cat owner myself, I never endorsed this euthanasia and we will NOT be euthanizing these cats here in North Haven.

The problem that Animal Control was confronted with and responded to, started with resident’s concerns on an individual street regarding other residents feeding Feral cats.

There was also a complaint from another resident who had to pay an $8,000 medical bill for eye surgery for her dog who was hurt in an altercation with the cats. There were other complaints on this street also.

The Police Chief and I got involved this afternoon and we are stopping any initiative that involved euthanizing these cats.

Because of the numerous neighbor complaints about the cats, Animal Control will be initiating a Humane Trapping procedure.

In conjunction with that Humane Trapping procedure, we are lining up non profit animal organizations who are willing to help us, to help these cats with an intake program and a Trap, Spey and Release program which I have always been a huge supporter of.

As an example, I spoke to the Mt. Carmel Animal Hospital today after I was alerted to this issue and they were the first organization to pledge their support.

I also spoke with two other organizations and they will help also. In the event that we need additional money for a more robust Trap, Spey and Release Program, I will have that funded because I believe in that program.

Sometimes, Ladies and Gentlemen, Government makes bad decisions sticking to the letter of the law without examining other options that are available to implement within the confines of the law.

This should have never happened this way today and I not happy about it at all, but I do apologize for it because I am responsible for everything that goes on in this government including decisions that are made by others.

Rest assured, this will not happen again and these cats will not be euthanized.

Sincerely,

Michael Freda