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Halifax council set to debate felines again – Metro US

Halifax council set to debate felines again

The cat has come back to city hall.

It’s been nearly a year now since the c-word has been uttered in council chambers, and after dozens of heated debates over animal control issues, the municipality’s 23 councillors are notoriously wary of the subject. But come tomorrow, another feline-related fracas may be unavoidable.

A new report attached to this week’s council agenda addresses HRM’s burgeoning feral cat population, suggesting the best way to deal with the problem would be to trap, neuter and release strays.

The report, submitted by Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley, states several animal welfare groups are already conducting TNR programs on a small scale in certain neighbourhoods, but a government-funded initiative could spay or neuter up to 1,300 animals every year.

HRM’s total feral cat population is estimated at up to 90,000.

“The intent of TNR is to lower the cat population by breaking the reproduction cycle,” the report says. “Kittens and tame cats are adopted into homes, and healthy adult feral cats are returned to their outdoor territories to be monitored and cared for.”

The total cost of the program, including post-operative care, staff salaries and veterinary bills, would be $596,700 per year. Coun. Gloria McCluskey (Dartmouth Centre) said she thinks the price tag may be too hefty for council.

“We’ve got a tough budget this year,” she said, adding “but maybe we can get somebody to sponsor the program.”

McCluskey also acknowledged TNR programs would have little to no impact on cat nuisance complaints.

“It would really just be for the health of the stray cats,” she said.