West Columbia Considers Spay-and-Release Program

West Columbia is considering a trap, neuter and release plan for feral cats in hopes that it will reduce problems with the homeless cats.

Animal groups encouraged city council at a public hearing Tuesday to test the plan for two years, according to a report in The State newspaper. Leaders of the groups said about $40,000 has been raised to pay for the plan.

Pets, Inc., one of the groups fighting for the program, would handle the spaying and neutering of the cats picked up by animal workers, according to a report on WACH Fox.

Advocates of the program say its a more humane method of animal control than capturing and euthanizing feral cats.

Sunset Felines, a group of volunteers who feed and give medical treatment to cats in Lexington County, posted a announcement on their website asking West Columbia residents to write to council members in favor of the trap, neuter and release program. 

"This program has been extremely effective in reducing the numbers of free-roaming cats in other communities and we would certainly like to see it implemented in our fair city," the announcement reads. "Please call or write to your councilmen immediately to express your opinion."

State and local chapters of the Humane Society, , and Carolina Cats also favor the plan, according to The State.