I am a resident of Roanoke, Virginia and recently witnessed a heartbreaking incident that has compelled me to take action. A kitten from a local feral cat colony was tragically attacked and killed by wildlife. This could have been prevented if our city had adequate protections for companion animals like free Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs.

Roanoke City currently lacks laws to ensure the health and safety of these vulnerable creatures for their entire lives. This is not just about one kitten; it's about countless others who face similar threats every day. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that there are approximately 70 million stray cats in the U.S., many of which live in colonies that can be found in almost every community.

Implementing TNR programs at no cost to Roanoke City residents would help control the feral cat population humanely, reducing instances like what happened to the kitten I saw. The Humane Society states that TNR improves the lives of feral cats, enhances their relationships with people who live near them, and decreases the size of colonies over time.

I urge you to consider implementing free TNR programs in Roanoke City as an effective solution for managing our feral cat population while ensuring their humane treatment. Please sign this petition if you believe all animals deserve compassion and care throughout their lives.

The ordinances that typically come into play with outdoor or feral/unsocialized cats are:

1. Abandonment (AKA returning the cat to a property that is not yours) which is Section #5-37
2. The Limitations on number of pets "in a dwelling" (on a property) which is Section #5-24
3. And "running at large" which is Section #5-28 (but doesn't specify cats so less commonly cited)

§ 3.2-6521. Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics (virginia.gov)

The Animal Care Services BPC automatically includes the Accidental Injury to Animals endorsement. This endorsement will pay for the veterinary expenses for treatment of physical injury to animals that were stolen and recovered, or caused by any of the “specified causes of loss” identified in the policy, or by building glass breakage. “Specified causes of loss” include but are not limited to fire, lightning, explosion, windstorm or hail, smoke, vehicles, vandalism. It does NOT pay for injury caused by cutting the animal or injury while trying to be controlled. (Note – This coverage pays for veterinary expenses; it does not pay for the loss of the animal itself.)

The client may also want to consider adding the Animal Form (Inland Marine) which will pay for accidental direct physical loss to animals, including while in transit, caused by death or destruction (as the result of specified perils), theft, or escape. Specified perils include but are not limited to fire, lightning, windstorm or hail, smoke, flood, vandalism, vehicles, collapse of building, collision while being transported, attack by another animal, electrocution. (Note – This coverage pays for the loss of the animal; it does not pay for veterinary expenses).