The issue of stray cats returned to Penhold town council during its meeting on March 26.
Council briefly discussed the issue after Rick Binnendyk, chief administrative officer for the town, mentioned during his general report that there have been incoming complaints about stray felines.
“I find this extremely frustrating,” said Coun. Kathy Sitter, referencing the recently proposed cat bylaw that was scrapped after the public presented a petition with more than 400 signatures. Without a bylaw the town has no legal means of enforcement with cats in the community.
She noted that coyotes have been reported close to town, likely preying on the cats. Still, she added it's not the cats' fault they're strays.
Mayor Dennis Cooper said the councillors had identified they'd continue to monitor animal issues.
“If we continue to get complaints, we may have to take action,” Cooper said. He said council does need to protect peoples' property.
“I'm not saying we have to introduce a bylaw … but if it's causing damage we will have to take action.”
Coun. Chad Hoffman suggested looking for feedback on the website, while Sitter suggested the incoming calls also be tracked.
Binnendyk said town staff are tracking the complaints. Stray cats usually are an issue in the spring, he said. He added they'd contacted the Red Deer SPCA, but the animal protection group said they are already at capacity and won't accept any more cats.
“I think the town needs to know we're getting complaints about stray cats,” Coun. Wendy Dodman said.
Council asked staff to continue to track complaints through the phone and online.
