PETITION TO OPPOSE HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO. 2026-06

Protect Community Cats. Protect Their Caretakers. Support Humane TNR.

To: The Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens, respectfully oppose Ordinance No. 2026-06 as currently written and urge the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors to reconsider, amend, or repeal the provisions that threaten community cats and the compassionate people who care for them.

Why We Oppose This Ordinance

1. Feeding a cat should not automatically make someone its legal owner.

Under the ordinance provisions described, anyone who feeds, harbors, or shelters stray or free-roaming cats for more than 14 consecutive days may be considered their legal owner and become responsible for requirements such as rabies vaccinations. Feeding a hungry animal should be an act of compassion, not a legal liability that discourages people from helping vulnerable cats.

2. Community cat caretakers should not be unfairly penalized.

Many volunteers provide food, water, shelter, and monitoring for cats who have no permanent homes. These individuals often spend their own money and time helping animals and reducing suffering. The threat of fines, court costs, and attorney’s fees could discourage responsible caretakers and leave cats without essential care.

3. Support Trap-Neuter- Vaccinate-Return (TNVR), not policies that discourage it.

Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return is a humane approach to managing community cat populations. Through trapping, sterilization, vaccination, and return to their outdoor homes, TNR programs help prevent future litters and support long-term colony management. Township policy should encourage responsible, accessible TNR programs rather than create unnecessary barriers for volunteers.

4. Make TNVR protections clear, accessible, and fair.

Although the ordinance describes exceptions for managed TNVR colonies, caretakers need clear, reasonable, and affordable procedures for registration and compliance. Protections should not depend on confusing requirements or create unnecessary obstacles for residents acting in good faith to help animals.

5. Consider the consequences for cats and the community.

If residents fear penalties for providing food or shelter, some may stop helping community cats. This could lead to more hungry, sick, and vulnerable animals, while undermining the efforts of local rescue groups and volunteers. Humane policies should address genuine public health and safety concerns without needlessly putting animals at risk.

What We Are Asking Hempfield Township to Do

We respectfully call upon the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors to:

* Repeal or substantially amend Ordinance No. 2026-06 to prevent unintended harm to community cats and their caretakers.
* Remove or revise the 14-day provision so that providing food, water, or temporary shelter does not automatically establish legal ownership.
* Protect good-faith community cat caretakers from unreasonable penalties simply for providing humane assistance to unowned, free-roaming cats.
* Strengthen and clarify TNVR protections by establishing practical, affordable, and accessible colony registration and management procedures.
* Consult local animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, rescue groups, and experienced TNVR volunteers before implementing policies that affect community cats.
* Prioritize humane, evidence-informed solutions that promote public health, responsible animal management, and the welfare of cats.

We believe a compassionate community can protect public health while treating animals humanely. Residents should not have to choose between following their conscience and risking legal or financial consequences for helping a hungry animal.

We urge Hempfield Township to reconsider Ordinance No. 2026-06 and work with the community to develop fair, practical, and humane policies that support responsible TNR efforts and protect community cats.

Compassion is not ownership. Feeding is not abandonment. Humane TNVR is a responsible solution.