PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
ADDRESSING THE PUBLIC … Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe speaks to residents in a recorded statement posted on his official Facebook page, announcing an executive order temporarily suspending enforcement of a ban on feeding stray cats in the village.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
In a video message posted Monday on Facebook, Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe announced he was issuing an executive order to suspend enforcement of the village’s ban on feeding feral cats.
Residents had previously shared concerns at meetings of the Swanton Village Council regarding challenges they faced from stray cats, in particular with regard to urine and feces on their properties and belongings.
However, ever since a resident was recently fined for feeding stray cats during a period of extreme cold, there has been a large backlash against the feeding ban both online and at council meetings.
Read more: Swanton Village Council faces backlash over feral cat fine
“While the administration is responsible for enforcing village ordinances, it has become clear that enforcing this section alone will not solve the broader issue of feral cats in our community,” Toeppe said in the recorded statement.
In order to “allow time for a thoughtful and humane solution,” Toeppe said he has now issued an executive order temporarily suspending enforcement of the ban.
He referred to a committee recently created to consider the issue, led by Councilman Deacon Dzierzawski and joined by Councilwoman Dianne Westhoven, which is considering possible options with the goal of bringing new ordinance language to the full council for approval.
“This suspension will remain in place until council has had the opportunity to review and update the ordinance,” Toeppe said. “Our goal is a simple one – a practical, humane solution that works for the residents and the community.”
Several local organizations have offered their assistance, and the Swanton Corn Festival committee has promised a $2,500 donation to go along with $5,000 the village administration already found in its existing budget to go toward a possible trap, neuter, and release program to address the issue of stray cats in the village.