The Colonie Town Board voted on a resolution to adopt a trap, neuter and release program to curb the feral cat problem in the town at a board meeting on Aug. 26.
We’re in the process of looking into purchasing loner traps, said Town Supervisor Paula Mahan, who added that a method of payment for the traps had not yet been decided on and the program still needs some `fine tuning.`
This comes after a public outcry regarding feral cats, which are cats birthed from stray cats that have had little or no human interaction, were urinating on basement windows, defecating in resident’s backyards and attacking household pets.
Other ideas that had been floated around were trying to find a farm where a colony of feral cats could live with shelter and food and possibly reduce the rodent population or euthanize a select number of feral cats.
`There are different philosophies to control the population of feral cats,` said Mahan.
She added that the town is mostly looking to be a source of information and awareness on the issue, hoping to have pamphlets and brochures available for public perusing in areas such as the town library.
Residents will be able to use their own traps if they choose to, as Mahan said it was not something the town can regulate. Deputy Supervisor Nancy Hernandez said they will keep a list of what residents have what.
`Our main role in this is to try and bring awareness to people,` Mahan said of the town. `We’re here to help educate.`
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