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Opinions differ on feral cat trapping program

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By Dylan Tussel, Contributing Writer 10:37 AM Friday, July 30, 2010

OXFORD — After what Animal Control Officer Wayne Phillips said was a successful feral cat trapping program in June, plans are being made to conduct a similar program next year.

“I’m calling it a complete success because we had animals that were turned in to a local rescue organization that were neutered and then released,” Phillips said. “We, the city of Oxford, did not transport any animals to the humane society — they were all turned over to the local rescue organization.”

Oxford police Sgt. Jim Squance said the city is going to focus the next program on educating Oxford citizens and Miami University students on the proper handling of animals.

“Our biggest part is educating the students on the care and safety of animals, about feeding stray cats and about dumping their animals when they leave,” Squance said.

Kelly Hansel, who is leading the effort to promote the trap, neuter and release program, saw the situation through a different lens.

“I don’t think (the city’s program) really helped,” Hansel said. “If anything, it hindered what we were doing.”

Hansel said the city’s plan skewed residents’ perception of the feral cats in a negative way. She said it led some to believe they could trap cats and “do anything they want with them.”

Hansel said she is encouraging people to work with their veterinarians to trap, neuter and release feral cats.

“Because they are territorial animals, they live in colonies, and by trapping and neutering them, they will stay in the same area and keep others out of the territory,” Hansel said. “If you remove or kill them, it allows others to move into that territory who are not spayed or neutered. It’s a vicious cycle.”

Hansel said she has received some donations for her efforts. Every donation she and Ron Reagh, DVM, the veterinarian with whom she is collaborating, have received allows rescue efforts to continue, she said.

Hansel and Reagh are accepting donations addressed to Dr. Reagh at 5131 Morning Sun Road, with “feral cat fund” noted on it.

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