The City Council in Salt Lake City has voted to legalize feral cat colonies in the city, provided that “cat custodians” register colonies for an annual fee.
Before paying the $5 fee, the caretakers first must prove the cats have been sterilized and vaccinated. They also must feed the cats, while ensuring the food won’t attract other creatures, such as insects and rodents.
“These people take care of the neutering of these animals. The easier we can make that process, the more likely someone will participate in that process,” Councilman Eric Jergensen said.
At the Dec. 12 meeting, Council members said they wanted to keep the fee low in recognition of other costs the custodians incur.
The program’s objective, according to the city, is a reduction of the feral cat population through the required sterilization.
Though no agency has pinpointed the size of Salt Lake’s feral cat community, Salt Lake County Animal Services says it euthanizes about 100 cats a month.