**Introduction**

As members of the Fort Smith, AR community, we know the care that our community has for animals in need , and the anguish of witnessing one suffer. There are moments we wish to assist, to provide resources for homeless and unwanted animals. But the law, as it stands, deters us from such acts of kindness and compassion. 

Presently, Section 4-11(b) imposes constraints, placing community members under the potential threat of citations simply for giving aid to unfortunate animals that need our help. This clause of our existing ordinance puts both lives and goodwill at risk, because resources for homeless pets are strikingly scarce.  

This proposal seeks to amend the existing city ordinance that prohibits the public from feeding stray dogs and cats. While the current law was established with good intentions to mitigate public health risks, it has resulted in unintended consequences. 

The proposed amendment would allow the public to feed domesticated stray animals, thereby promoting animal welfare and improving community involvement in humane stray animal management.

**Proposed Amendment**

We propose the following changes to the ordinance:

Amending the current ordinance to redact the inclusion of stray dogs and cats. 

   **Partnership with Animal Welfare Organizations:**
   - **Collaboration:** Collaborate with local animal welfare groups to monitor the health of the stray population and coordinate TNR efforts.
   - **Public Education:** Promote public education campaigns to inform the community about responsible pet ownership, feeding practices, and the benefits of TNR, encouraging more residents to participate in humane stray animal management.

**Benefits of the Proposed Amendment**

- **Improved Animal Welfare:** Allowing Fort Smith residents to feed will reduce the suffering of stray animals and improve their overall health, contributing to a safer and more humane environment.
 
*Community Involvement:** Empowering the public to participate in animal welfare efforts will strengthen the bond between residents and the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for stray animals.
 
 **Environmental Impact:** Managed feeding will help reduce scavenging and possible reactive behavior, resulting in less litter and damage to public and private property.

**Conclusion**

By reshaping Section 4-11(b), we would be carving out a more humane path for our community, where caring and supportive citizens can play their part without fear of legal consequences.

Amending the existing ordinance to allow feeding of stray animals will address the current issues and foster a more humane and effective approach to managing the stray animal population in our city. By implementing this amendment, we can create a healthier and more compassionate community for both humans and animals.

It is not just about protecting the animals alone but fostering a community spirit that values life, compassion, and mutual assistance. By amending Section 4-11(b) to exclude stray dogs and cats, we can genuinely instigate change for the better.

We respectfully request that the city council consider this proposal and take the necessary steps to amend the ordinance in the best interest of our community.

It's time for a change that respects and encourages such selfless acts. We propose  the amendment of Section 4-11 (b) to exclude stray dogs and cats, ensuring that the residents of Fort Smith who wish to help these animals can do so without fear of legal action.

Please sign this petition today.