Who is impacted?

Miami-Dade County is considering Ordinance 250963, which would make it illegal to feed community cats on public and commercial property. This will harm thousands of cats—animals that are domestic by nature but living outdoors through no fault of their own. It also punishes the compassionate people who feed and care for them, often at their own expense.

What’s at stake?

If this ordinance passes, cats will suffer from starvation, illness, and further abandonment. The caregivers—many of whom participate in Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs—will be silenced and criminalized. Without food, TNVR becomes nearly impossible, and the population will spiral out of control. The ban won’t solve anything—it will only make things worse for everyone: cats and communities alike. 

Why act now?

The vote is approaching fast. If we stay silent, this harmful law could pass. Miami-Dade has a chance to choose compassion and science-based solutions over cruelty. We urge the Mayor and County Commissioners to reject Ordinance 250963 and instead support humane, effective approaches. Sign now to protect Miami’s community cats—and the people who care for them.

Why I Care ?

As someone who has rescued, fed, and helped neuter community cats in Miami-Dade, I’ve seen how vital this work is. These cats didn’t choose the streets—people left them there. Volunteers step in to feed, fix, and care for them when no one else will. If this law passes, that work becomes illegal.

Many of us provide food daily. We trap cats, get them fixed and vaccinated, and return them to safe locations. We do this unpaid, out of compassion. If we are forced to stop, the suffering will multiply—and the community will feel the consequences.

Why This Matters Everywhere - The Bigger Picture:

This isn’t just about Miami. It’s about the kind of society we want to live in.

Feeding bans like Ordinance 250963 are part of a growing trend that treats compassion as a nuisance and visibility of suffering as something to eliminate—not solve. These cats are not pests—they are the abandoned consequences of human decisions. To punish people for feeding them is to criminalize empathy.

What we do here in Miami-Dade sends a message. Either we lead with evidence-based solutions and community care—or we teach future generations that cruelty can be codified into law.

This is not about cats vs. people. It’s about whether kindness can still shape public policy.

Who can stop this? 

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners

And you—by signing this petition.  

 

Want to read the ordinance yourself?

Click here to view Ordinance 250963 on the official Miami-Dade County website  

Note to Supporters:

After signing, you may be prompted by Change.org to make a donation. That donation goes to the platform, not to this campaign or the cats.

You do not need to donate to make your signature count or help the cause.

Your voice is what matters—and your signature is the most powerful act of support.