City Council reviews ordinance to control cat population

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Sioux Falls City Council had an introductory reading of an ordinance that could help control the cat population in Sioux Falls.

If you haven’t heard of the term TNR, it stands for Trap, Neuter and Release. Advocates for the program said it helps improve the health of feral cats while reducing future litters from overrunning neighborhoods.

If there’s one thing Mat Tougas of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition would like people to know, it’s that cats are territorial and removing one could mean several could take over the same territory.

But Tougas has a solution.

“We’re taking that feral cat. We’re vaccinating it, and we’re neutering it to make sure that it doesn’t have any more kittens, and then it can live its life outside the way it wants to,” Tougas explained.

They also microchip, tattoo and tip the cat’s ear to show it’s been neutered and can be left alone as a wild cat.

“It’s not lost. It’s not a stray; it’s not somebody’s missing baby. Just a cat that belongs outside,” Tougas said.

The TNR program is already in some local communities. Now, Sioux Falls City Council is considering the option.

“The way the ordinance is written, anybody who traps or as a caretaker will need to be approved by the Humane Society,” Tougas said.

The save rate two years ago was 59%. It’s now at 73%, but they want to be a no-kill shelter.

“The folks who work here want nothing but the best for these animals. They have very hard decisions to make. It’s extremely hard on them,” said Sioux Falls Area Humane Society CFO and Interim Executive Director Michelle Hentzchel.

“They don’t want a high euthanasia rate either, and ultimately, they want that no-kill shelter status. And I think everybody in Sioux Falls wants that, too. Do too,” Tougas said.

The second reading and likely a vote will be at the City Council meeting next Tuesday.

The Sioux Empire TNR coalition just received a $9,300 grant from the ‘Mission Meow Foundation’ to purchase additional equipment and supplies.

Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.