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Show Ordinance readied to control cat growth FRUIT HEIGHTS How is the best method of controlling the rapidly increasing cat population in Davis County? This is a monumental task facing the County Department of Animal Care and Control. In an attempt to combat the domestic cat overpopulation problem prob-lem in Davis County communities, an ordinance is being prepared to reduce the incidence of cat-related nuisance complaints and the spread of feline diseases transmit-ted transmit-ted by stray, unvaccinated animals. To begin with, the proposed ordinance will restrict the number of cats allowed per household to five without the owner purchasing a license for a cattery. The department's board of directors direc-tors suggested that five be the maximum max-imum number of unlicensed cats based on the fact that four kittens is an average litter and that the litter and mother should be allowed to remain with the homeowner. "It is felt that this effort would be in the best interest of the animal as well as the public," said Glenn Taylor, director. He noted that the ordinance allows households presently having hav-ing more than five cats may continue con-tinue to house all these pets for the duration of the pets' lives, providing provid-ing the cats are registered within 120 days. The ordinance also restricts cats from roaming free unless they are surgically sterilized. Department records show that during 1987 more than 50 percent of the 9,100 animals sheltered in the facility at Fruit Heights were cats. During December one of the slower months of the year for picking pick-ing up and housing stray cats there were 136 strays picked up and an additional 42 were placed at the shelter. Of this number, 27 were adopted and two returned to their owners. This compares to 186 stray dogs picked up, but 52 of this number were adopted and 41 returned to their owners. "Very few will come in to pick up their stray cats whereas many dog owners will reclaim their canine pets," said Mr. Taylor. "Increased "In-creased number of cats, expecially among strays, is a very "serious problem." He explained that an unaltered female cat allowed to roam freely and reproduce at will over a four-year four-year period could be directly responsible re-sponsible for 4,272 cats, provided that none of her offspring are sterilized. steril-ized. Stray cats are also known to transmit various diseases if they are not properly treated and the proposed ordinance will attempt to reduce some of these problems. He emphasized that licensing of cats is not designed to burden cat lovers with an added expense, only to assist in the control of the number num-ber of cats and to help prevent the spread of diseases. He said education of pet owners of the need to take care of their pets is also an important part of the overall program. "It's hoped that pet owners with an investment in licensing of their cats will entice them to take better care of their pets," said Mr. Taylor. |