The city's stray and feral cat problem can no longer be ignored. It is not only an unfair and often inhumane circumstance effecting the cat population, but a public health crisis effecting residents all over the city. I see it first hand every day in Town Plot, where dumped strays and countless ferals run wild and multiply unchecked. I was compelled to start this petition after seeing a Facebook thread from a resident in a different corner of the city facing a similar problem. I moved back to Waterbury in 2012 and have been attempting to fight this battle ever since. The problem has only become significantly worse. I’ve been told the city just does not have the funds to deal with this. I can speak for my neighborhood alone, myself and some other residents use our own personal funds, donated funds, the help of some rescues, and lots of time, to keep the problem under control through trapping, vetting, TNR, and in the wonderful case that a cat is friendly enough, rehoming. We can no longer keep the problem under control and it is not the responsibility of the residents of Waterbury to do so. I’ve been contacted dozens of times over the years to help with other residents, sometimes in situations where cats have completely taken over someone’s yard, shed, or garage. This is not the fault of the individual dealing with the issue. Many residents do not have the means to take care of the situation. It is incredibly unsanitary and poses huge health risks to the people effected.

The citizens of Waterbury would like to see funds allocated to the Animal Control Division to handle stray and feral cat management. The best solution to this problem is for there to be a designated position for several individuals to HUMANELY trap, neuter, and release or home these animals. Ignoring this problem is not an option. I am told over and over again the city does not have the funds. I find it very hard to believe that the second highest taxed city in the second highest taxed state in the entire country does not have the funds to pay for veterinary services and for the salaries of what would be valuable employees. Not only does the city have the opportunity to take care of a serious public health and animal welfare crisis, it has the opportunity to create jobs that I honestly don’t think exist anywhere else. Waterbury is trying to be a more progressive city. Animal and human welfare seem like a great place to start.

WATERBURY OFFICIALS, IT IS TIME TO HANDLE THIS PROBLEM. IT SHOULD NOT BE THE BURDEN OF YOUR RESIDENTS AND TAXPAYERS!