Residents press town on feral‑cat problem; board cites recent funding and hiring steps

Several residents used the public‑comment period to press the board on a longstanding feral‑cat problem in multiple neighborhoods, describing colonies, disease concerns and what they called repeated delays in enforcement and trapping.

"It's been seven years since this has been going on... I have two moms and a total of 11 kittens off the streets and into homes... but they're back out on the street," Ty Lane said, urging more rapid action and accusing town officials of not responding quickly enough.

Town leaders said the situation is being addressed through a combination of state grant funds, recent local legislation to govern cat ownership and an effort to hire a full‑time animal control officer; officials said one final candidate is under vetting by the board. The supervisor and other members acknowledged staffing constraints and emphasized coordination with local humane groups and existing grant rules that require specific uses of the funding. Officials asked residents to provide documentary evidence, such as videos or social posts, to help enforcement and identification.

Those in the room urged rapid outreach and clearer communication as the town moves to implement the funded program once the animal control officer is hired.