Anaheim Stop starving Community Cats And Persecuting Their Feeders

The Issue

Anaheim's press release says feeding cats in anaheim is not illegal but anaheim is  citing and prosecuting people for allegedly feeding cats & turning them into criminals & starving the community cats including over 300 cats in Disneyland. Tell Anaheim to stop starving community cats & persecuting their feeders

Below is Copy of Anaheim's press release dated 3/20/15

CLARIFICATION ON ANAHEIM’S MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING FEEDING FERAL CATS
ANAHEIM, CA - (March 20, 2015) - In response to recent concerns and questions about the care and feeding of feral cats in Anaheim, the City of Anaheim is offering the following information.

ARE FEEDING FERAL CATS ILLEGAL IN ANAHEIM?
No. Municipal Code 6.44.130 was introduced in November 2014 to support the County of Orange’s TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program. The City code is meant to address the well-being of feral cats, as well as support a healthy and safe environment – for the cats, other animals, and residents. The City contract with the County of Orange for animal services, which includes TNR.

WHAT DOES THE MUNICIPAL CODE SAY ABOUT FEEDING STRAY AND FERAL CATS?
The Ordinance related to feral cats is filed under the Public Health and Safety chapter of the Anaheim Municipal Code 6.44, and specifically, the nuisance chapter. It is important to read the individual item in context of the entire chapter. This does not imply cats are a nuisance, it is simply the municipal vernacular used to cover many items which can become a nuisance. For example, cars parked on lawns, fire hazards, polluted water such as unkempt pools or ponds, or improper maintenance of property which pose health and safety concerns.

DOES THE CITY HAVE PLANS TO CHANGE THE MUNICIPAL CODE?
We will review the language and possibly re-write it for clarification and greater understanding.

WHY WAS THIS RESIDENT VISITED BY CODE ENFORCEMENT?
The resident was visited by Code Enforcement following complaints from neighbors for putting cat food on property not her own. Neighbors were finding cat food under their vehicles, on their private property. The warning was for repeated trespassing onto private property, not for feeding cats.

HAS ANYONE BEEN CITED?
No. Since the ordinance went into effect November, 2014, there have not been any citations. Persons have received warnings.

DOES THE CITY PARTNER WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TNR PROGRAM?
Yes, the City partners with OC Animal Control for many animal-related services, including TNR.  It is a proven and effective method for caring for feral cats, and we applaud residents who partner with the County for TNR.

DOES DISNEYLAND RESORT HAVE TO GET RID OF THEIR CAT POPULATION?
No. The cats on Disney property are well-cared for and stay on property.

For more information on the City of Anaheim, please visit www.anaheim.net
Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060

This petition had 438 supporters

The Issue

Anaheim's press release says feeding cats in anaheim is not illegal but anaheim is  citing and prosecuting people for allegedly feeding cats & turning them into criminals & starving the community cats including over 300 cats in Disneyland. Tell Anaheim to stop starving community cats & persecuting their feeders

Below is Copy of Anaheim's press release dated 3/20/15

CLARIFICATION ON ANAHEIM’S MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING FEEDING FERAL CATS
ANAHEIM, CA - (March 20, 2015) - In response to recent concerns and questions about the care and feeding of feral cats in Anaheim, the City of Anaheim is offering the following information.

ARE FEEDING FERAL CATS ILLEGAL IN ANAHEIM?
No. Municipal Code 6.44.130 was introduced in November 2014 to support the County of Orange’s TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program. The City code is meant to address the well-being of feral cats, as well as support a healthy and safe environment – for the cats, other animals, and residents. The City contract with the County of Orange for animal services, which includes TNR.

WHAT DOES THE MUNICIPAL CODE SAY ABOUT FEEDING STRAY AND FERAL CATS?
The Ordinance related to feral cats is filed under the Public Health and Safety chapter of the Anaheim Municipal Code 6.44, and specifically, the nuisance chapter. It is important to read the individual item in context of the entire chapter. This does not imply cats are a nuisance, it is simply the municipal vernacular used to cover many items which can become a nuisance. For example, cars parked on lawns, fire hazards, polluted water such as unkempt pools or ponds, or improper maintenance of property which pose health and safety concerns.

DOES THE CITY HAVE PLANS TO CHANGE THE MUNICIPAL CODE?
We will review the language and possibly re-write it for clarification and greater understanding.

WHY WAS THIS RESIDENT VISITED BY CODE ENFORCEMENT?
The resident was visited by Code Enforcement following complaints from neighbors for putting cat food on property not her own. Neighbors were finding cat food under their vehicles, on their private property. The warning was for repeated trespassing onto private property, not for feeding cats.

HAS ANYONE BEEN CITED?
No. Since the ordinance went into effect November, 2014, there have not been any citations. Persons have received warnings.

DOES THE CITY PARTNER WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TNR PROGRAM?
Yes, the City partners with OC Animal Control for many animal-related services, including TNR.  It is a proven and effective method for caring for feral cats, and we applaud residents who partner with the County for TNR.

DOES DISNEYLAND RESORT HAVE TO GET RID OF THEIR CAT POPULATION?
No. The cats on Disney property are well-cared for and stay on property.

For more information on the City of Anaheim, please visit www.anaheim.net
Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060

The Decision Makers

Sandra Sagert
Sandra Sagert
Lucille Kring
Lucille Kring
James Vanderbilt
James Vanderbilt
Kris Murray
Kris Murray
Ruth Ruiz
Ruth Ruiz

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Petition created on August 10, 2016