Brighton residents can provide input on a proposed cat control bylaw by filling out a survey from town staff over the next 21 days.
Council is considering creating a cat control bylaw after public concerns were raised about stray and feral cats within the municipality.
A staff report presented to council in May lists several concerns. One major concern is the impact on local wildlife, especially birds. According to the staff report, cats are considered a main cause of bird mortality, second only to habitat loss. In Canada, outdoor cats and feral cats kill between 100 million and 350 million birds annually, the report states.
Other considerations for the bylaw include public health risks from disease transmission, outdoor dangers, and overpopulation.
The proposed bylaw would amend the current dog bylaw. It does not have a specific bylaw regulating stray or free-roaming cats, and municipal animal control focuses exclusively on dog-related complaints.
The town is also considering various options for animal control. The report proposes the Quinte Humane Society and Pierce Animal Control, the Northumberland Humane Society, or a combination of services. No financial report was included in the report.
Those interested in completing the survey can visit the municipal website or use this link.
The proposed bylaw changes were debated by the council at its May 12 meeting.
The report, debate, and final decision:
