HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2014.01.22 - 21169Miscellaneous Resolution #14015
BY: Commissioners Helaine Zack, District #18; Commissioner Michael Spisz, District #3;
Commissioner William Dwyer, District #14; Commissioner Marcia Gershenson, District #13.
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — ESTABLISHMENT OF POPULATION CONTROL PROGRAM FOR
FREE ROAMING FERAL CAT POPULATION OF OAKLAND COUNTY THROUGH VOLUNTEER
TRAPPING EFFORTS
TO Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS overwhelming scientific evidence indicates that uncontrolled growth in the free roaming or
feral cat population is posing a significant threat to the public health and a serious impact on wildlife;
and
WHEREAS recent reports from the Centers of Disease Control raise concern that free roaming cats are
a serious risk factor in the spread of diseases such as rabies and toxoplasmosis, which could infect
other animals and humans, and whose effects can be as severe as causing death; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Health Department issued a letter to the Board of Commissioners
confirming these concerns in a letter dated September 6, 2013; and
WHEREAS the Board of Commissioners recognize the severity of the threat to public health reported
by responsible agencies and are looking for a requisite plan of action to reduce the risks to Oakland
County residents; and
WHEREAS a recent publication of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
published a study conducted by Tufts University providing evidence that the most effective population
reduction method for feral cat colonies is a trap, neuter, vasectomy (or hysterectomy) and release
(TNVR) method; and
WHEREAS the Tufts University study also indicated a high annual capture and management rate of 82%
of a feral cat colony is necessary for either our current lethal method or for a traditional trap, neuter
and release (TNR) method to have anything but a minor reduction in the overall feral cat colony
population; and
WHEREAS with a 35% annual capture rate of a feral cat colony, the Tufts University study found that,
with the TNVR method, the overall feral cat colony population could be reduced by half and that the
colony could be eliminated in 11 years, providing evidence that new approaches could be quite
effective; and
WHEREAS grant funding and numerous partnership opportunities appear available to establish a
program to reduce the free roaming feral cat population in Oakland County; and
WHEREAS many citizens have expressed an interest in volunteering in such a program, indicating the
strong likelihood of success at low cost to taxpayers;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that it is the policy of Oakland County to conduct an ongoing effort
to reduce the free roaming or feral cat population to reduce the risk to the public health and to local
wildlife. Further, the County should pursue this policy with a method demonstrated by Centers for
Disease Control researchers as highly effective, Trap, Neuter, Vasectomy and Release or other effective
measures.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this policy be enacted jointly by efforts of the Oakland County Health
Department, the Oakland County Animal Shelter and volunteers. Appropriate agencies are encouraged
to seek outside sources of funding, such as grants.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a report be submitted quarterly with the Board of Commissioners
indicating the number of animals treated, volunteers utilized and days the program held events.
Marcia Gershenson, Districti#1
Commissioner
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Chairperson, I move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution.
Commissioner Commissioner
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Commissioner Commissioner
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Commissioner Commissioner
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Commissioner Commissioner
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Commissioner Commissioner
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Resolution #14015 January 22, 2014
The Vice-Chairperson referred the resolution to the Public Services Committee. There were no
objections.