Petition to Reverse the Smith Park Cat Feeding Ban and Restore Humane Shelters

Recent signers:
Brandon Ondersma and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

  • Public Health and Safety: A managed cat colony is healthier and less likely to spread disease. Banning food sources only leads to malnourished, desperate animals scavenging in unsafe areas. 
  • Community Compassion: Many residents care for these animals out of kindness and out of their own pockets. Criminalizing compassionate acts goes against our values. 
  • Volunteer Efforts and Community Engagement: Many residents have invested their own time and money to care for these cats, build shelters, and support them in other ways. The city's actions disregard these community-driven efforts and discourage civic engagement in solving local issues. Instead of punishing local volunteers and the innocent animals, the city should partner with them to create a humane and sustainable solution.

 

VISIT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING:

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 5:30 PM

1 DONHAM PLZA

MIDDLETOWN, OH 45042

avatar of the starter
Logan O'LearyPetition Starter
Media inquiries

607

Recent signers:
Brandon Ondersma and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

  • Public Health and Safety: A managed cat colony is healthier and less likely to spread disease. Banning food sources only leads to malnourished, desperate animals scavenging in unsafe areas. 
  • Community Compassion: Many residents care for these animals out of kindness and out of their own pockets. Criminalizing compassionate acts goes against our values. 
  • Volunteer Efforts and Community Engagement: Many residents have invested their own time and money to care for these cats, build shelters, and support them in other ways. The city's actions disregard these community-driven efforts and discourage civic engagement in solving local issues. Instead of punishing local volunteers and the innocent animals, the city should partner with them to create a humane and sustainable solution.

 

VISIT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING:

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 5:30 PM

1 DONHAM PLZA

MIDDLETOWN, OH 45042

avatar of the starter
Logan O'LearyPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Elizabeth Slamka
Elizabeth Slamka
Middletown City Mayor
Responded
“Thank you for your emails. Our City Council and City Manager Department have received may correspondences regarding this issue since Friday, 3/21, and I have spoken with our City Manager, Ashley Combs. As you are aware, City Council and City Staff discussed this topic at the April 15th regular City Council meeting yesterday. It was determined that a committee of community members, City Staff, and City Council be created to look at the possible short-term and long-term solutions for Middletown. Also during this month, representatives from City Staff, City Council, and community organizations have had productive meetings. Though there may be misunderstandings, upset, and even some strong feelings from some in the beginning, this can sometimes be part of the process in creating something that works and we are making positive progress together. Updates to the progress are on the City Facebook page and there will be more official information in the future. As was stated in a communication from the City on April 7th, “The City of Middletown remains committed to finding a collaborative long-term solution with all parties involved that would provide care for animals in the City.” Thank you, again, for engaging with us. Sincerely, Elizabeth​​”

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Petition created on March 25, 2025