The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
CONTINUED DILEMMA
Oneida Improvement Committee to host meeting on feral cat population
ONEIDA, N.Y. » The quest to solve Oneida’s feral cat conundrum continues, but this time out of cityofficials hands and into the powers of the Oneida Improvement Committee (OIC).
The OIC prides itself on making Oneida a better place to live, and finally getting the feral cat population under control is something that would greatly accomplish this goal, said Oneida Improvement Committee Vice President Michele Farwell. The OIC formed a feral and stray cat committee earlier this month and is looking for residents to get on board.
Farwell has been dealing with the pesky animals herself and following the city’s previous efforts to form their own feral cat committee, listen to residents’ concerns, and work toward a solution. Over the course of last year, there were several meetings, public hearings, and even law proposals regarding licensing and feeding that were aimed at abetting the feral cat population, but nothing stuck.
The council’s efforts were commendable and appreciated, Farwell said, but ultimately didn’t lead
“There are many people out there that want to support a solution, it’s just, we need to find a way to come together, all be on the same page, and really structure one solid solution and one solid game plan to really move forward with solving this problem.”
— Oneida Improvement Committee Vice President Michele Farwell
to anything more than discussion circling around a situation that has been a long-standing reality for many residents. Solutions need to be made now, she said. The issue doesn’t need more discussing, especially as the spring arrives and kitten season will be in full swing, if not already.
Property damage, noise disturbances, and health concerns are just a few of the problems caused by Oneida’s feral cats. Some residents have turned to inhumane solutions to rid of the animals—this is something Farwell hopes the OIC can put an end to.
As an official non-profit, the OIC has tax-advantages and the wherewithal to support the feral cat committee’s means through an official bank account. Fundraising will be up to its members, but having a designated, transparent account for the committee will be an advantage for everyone, Farewell said. No one resident is responsible; OIC is.
Additionally, OIC can support the group in applying for grants if possible, she added.
Though she’ll be cochairing the committee, she hopes that other Oneida residents will take the reign and one will lead as cochair.
Those interested in getting involved can attend a public meeting on March 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the Oneida Public Library meeting room. The committee will be made up of no less than three members who will fulfill the role of leading co-chair, secretary, and reporter to the treasurer. More members are encouraged to join.
The committee is charged with enhancing the welfare/wellbeing of Oneida stray/feral cats and, therefore, enhancing the life of its human residents. As outlined in an OIC social media post, the committee will:
• define the scope of the feral and stray cat populations in the City of Oneida
• research the most humane solutions for helping these populations
• research ways to best implement a TNR, “Trapneuter-return” Program
• research the costs and availability of other potential solutions, such as spay/ neutering and vaccine clinics, the availability of stray cat adoption from area shelters and humane nonprofit organizations, and whatever else the committee deems relevant based on their research findings
• work to develop a fund under the OIC to offset the cost of a TNR Program
Tentative discussions have already begun with area veterinarians, Farewell said. The prospects seem hopeful for some sort of partnership to form. The feral and stray cat committee just needs to establish its members and game plan, then they can start tackling the work ahead.
Farwell acknowledged that there are many residents who have been stepping up to the plate to manage the feral cat population all on their own. Finland’s Fosters, a cat rescue based in Oneida, has been taking in cats/kittens and rehoming them whenever possible, Farwell said. Other residents have been paying out of pocket to spay/neuter stray cats in their area, and some even ensure the animals live a good life with proper medical treatment or access to food.
It’s hard not to have a heart for the cats, Farwell said, who often face lack of food, lack of shelter, and confrontations with other animals. They’re not benefitting from their reproduction any more than Oneida’s residents are, she said. It’s a lose-lose situation until something can be done about it.
“We want to find a humane solution that everyone can be part of,” Farwell said. This committee is for the community by the community, with OIC providing the platform for action. “There are many people out there that want to support a solution, it’s just, we need to find a way to come together, all be on the same page, and really structure one solid solution and one solid game plan to really move forward with solving this problem.”
Anyone who sees change needed in the community can start a committee through OIC, Farwell said, so long as an OIC board member agrees to chair it. The OIC is also looking to add more board members to the team.
To learn more about the upcoming feral cat committee meeting, OIC updates, and how to get involved, visit the Oneida Improvement Committee website and Facebook page.