Feeding Stray Cats In Radnor Could Leave You Responsible For Their Health
By Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A proposed law in a town along the Main Line could punish people who feed stray cats. The new law would dictate if you feed it, you own it.
And if you own it, you're responsible for its vaccinations, says the proposal here in Radnor Township.
In introducing the changes to current law here earlier this week, president of Radnor Township's Board of Commissioners, Elaine Schaeffer says it's not a feeding ban, instead it's designed to protect against rabies.
"It requires those who choose to feed feral cats with a very minimum modicum standard of care."
Violation of the ordinance could carry a $300 to $1,000 fine.
And opponents of the idea, like Joe Sisciliano, say this punishes people trying to help animals instead of focusing on solving the problem.
"I think it would be incumbent on the township to come up with some ideas, some resources for the people to deal with these issues instead of telling them what will happen to them if they have this problem."
And others say it doesn't punish people who dump the animals.
Though, residents like Bill from Wayne have another question: how to enforce it?
"It's going to require a CSI type investigation to figure out who's feeding these cats I guess. I don't know."
A hearing on the proposal is planned for next month.
