In late March, the Middletown Division of Police began an investigation regarding harm to wildlife in Smith Park. During that investigation, it was discovered that there were several cat structures and cat food left in the park by volunteers of All Paws, which is in violation of city law.
“While the city empathizes with the intention of the volunteers helping the cats, the city cannot choose which city ordinances are enforced,” the statement read.
Some volunteers said there were 30 or 40 cats in the park.
Clayton Castle, communications manager for the city, said the decision came after two meetings between city leaders and Cinda Lee from All Paws Matter. Two community volunteers who work with the Smith Park cats also attended.
People interested in adopting one of the Smith Park cats can All Paws Matter at 513-341-5128.
Castle said the city has been receiving “a lot of threats and emails” over the matter.
Smith Park is a common dumping ground for animals. Police Chief Earl Nelson said they are doing surveillance around the area. “We’re doing the necessary things to make sure we catch those people,” he said.
The department has followed up on past calls about animal dumping, Nelson said.
Middletown has one animal control officer. Nelson said they will evaluate at the end of the year if adding another officer would be necessary.
At the April 1 city council meeting, animal advocates asked the city to not remove food and shelter from Smith Park that had been left for stray cats.
Last month, Middletown’s Animal Control Officer removed and destroyed $560 worth of food, shelters and dishes that cat advocates said they had provided at Smith Park.
They said those actions broke laws that protect cats, and instead of reducing the population, will move the feral cats closer to human habitations and malnourished cats will have a greater risk of developing parasitic infections.
Lee, president of All Paws Matter, said supporting trap-neuter-return (TNR) is the most cost effective solution and is the “best investment in long-term population control and public health.”
Vice Mayor Steve West said the cat population in the city is a “massive issue” and that dumping cats, or any animal, is “one of the worst things you could do.”
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