“We understand that there is a desire in the community for something that would allow a TNR program to move forward and we are certainly working to make sure the council has the information they need so they can make a decision on it,” says Will.
“That might mean answering some questions about the impact of what a TNR program does for animal health. So how does a procedure impact an animal and then if that animal is released back into the wild we certainly know that was something we heard at council but also just answering questions around the timing of a TNR program and what criteria would be needed,” includes Will.
FIND OUT MORE: Online video clarifies feral cat issue in Medicine Hat
Animal supporters are distressed with what they consider as an absence of seriousness from council.
Nicole Frey, creator of the Animal Food Bank, composed a highly worded email to the mayor and city councillors that she showed CHAT News.
It checks out in part:
“Your Council has an opportunity to make change here and end the suffering of community cats. Yet you all remain silent and seem to want to do nothing to become informed.”
Knodel reacted stating she elected the trap and release program to progress. She says with the concern back prior to the committee she is enthusiastic open discussion and neighborhood advocacy will lead to this program being carried out quickly.
That’s likewise the hope of Linda Tooth who becomes part of a group who feeds feral cats in the city.
“My hope is that yes they will split that bylaw in two and allow us to do a trap neuter release program here in Medicine Hat sooner rather than later, says Tooth.
“I’m disappointed that it came to council on Monday night and they didn’t even understand what it was so there was a level of disappointment with that,” includes Tooth.
It’s not yet clear if the trap and release program will be up for argument at council’s next routine conference scheduled for June 19.
In the meantime animal well-being supporters continue to talk to members of Alberta’s department of the Canadian Animal Task Force.
If council carries on a trap and release program, the task force is prepared to take a trip to Medicine Hat to carry out spay and sterilize surgical treatments.
