Joint Community Services Committee and Corporate Services Committee. Beverly Hendry, Commissioner, Corporate Services Department

Transcription

1 Public Report To: From: Joint Community Services Committee and Corporate Services Committee Ron Diskey, Commissioner, Community Services Department Beverly Hendry, Commissioner, Corporate Services Department Report Number: CS Date of Report: March 29, 2017 Date of Meeting: April 3, 2017 Subject: Trap-Neuter-Release Program File: D Purpose This report responds to the Corporate Services Committee s Directions on the issue of feral cats and Trap, Neuter and Release (T.N.R.) Programs and recommends that staff undertake a public consultation process. 2.0 Recommendation That the Community Services and Corporate Services Committees recommend to City Council: 1. That staff be authorized to initiate a public consultation process and report back by the third quarter of 2017; and 2. That all correspondence on the subject of Trap, Neuter, and Release Programs and feral cats be forwarded to staff for direct response and consideration in the forthcoming report. 3.0 Executive Summary The issue of feral cats is present in many municipalities across Ontario and in jurisdictions around the world. Feral cats impact local communities in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, negatively affecting the surrounding ecosystem; presenting a nuisance to local residents; and contributing to the problem of cat overpopulation. To address this issue, communities have employed a host of animal control and education programs. More recently, community volunteer groups have actively engaged in T.N.R. programs designed to reduce the feral cat population through natural attrition and adoption. Staff undertook a

2 Corporate Services Committee Page 2 preliminary study of the issue and, based on the statistics and evidence available which suggested the presence of small- or moderate-sized colonies, the feral cat problem generally appears limited in Oshawa. Notwithstanding this, there may be opportunities to augment the City s current animal control and education program by supporting a volunteer-run T.N.R. program in our City. This report recommends that staff undertake a public consultation process to overview Oshawa s needs; to assess what is required to establish a T.N.R. program; to overview T.N.R. best practices; and to determine whether a T.N.R. program is required at this time. It should be noted that the published research indicates that T.N.R. programs should only be implemented if there is broad community support. If there is an absence of such support, the program could result in failure. 4.0 Input From Other Sources The following stakeholders were consulted in the preparation of this report: Legal Services was consulted on specific issues related to the Animals for Research Act, the Pounds Act and municipal jurisdiction respecting exemptions including conditions to exemptions. For the purpose of this report, Legal Services has not been requested to express an opinion on the policy option that contemplates an exemption to permit managed feral cat colonies on private properties in the City. Planning Services Area Municipalities: Pickering, Whitby, Clarington, Toronto, London, Thunder Bay, Windsor, and Markham Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Action Volunteers for Animals (Durham) 5.0 Analysis 5.1 Background On January 16, 2016, February 8, 2016, February 29, 2016, April 4, 2016, and May 30, 2016, the Corporate Services Committee considered correspondence and deputations regarding feral cats. Committee directed staff to assess and report on; the issue of T.N.R. programs; to provide information on feral cats and their relationship/linkage with Oshawa Animal Services (O.A.S.); and to identify if there is a need for a T.N.R. program in Oshawa and, if so, what it should look like. This report responds to all of the Corporate Services Committee s directions, with the exception of the May 30, 2016 direction, and recommends that staff be authorized to undertake a public consultation process. Staff will also engage the Humane Society of Durham Region as per the Corporate Services Committee s May 30, 2016 direction during the public consultation process, if approved.

3 Corporate Services Committee Page Feral v. Stray Cat and Trap-Neuter-Release Programs In consideration of T.N.R. programs in the City of Oshawa, staff conducted its analysis using the following terminology: Stray cats: are defined as someone's pet who has become lost, or who has been abandoned, or permitted to run-at-large. Stray cats are usually tame and comfortable around people. Stray cats will also often try to make a home near humans --in car garages, front porches or backyards. Most stray cats are completely reliant on humans for food and are not able to cope with life on the streets. Feral cats: are defined by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.) as primarily wild-raised (never been domesticated) or having fully adapted to community life. These cats are wild animals that receive little human contact or care and live outdoors or unconfined at all times. A true feral cat does not rely on humans at all, obtaining its food and shelter from the natural environment. The differences between a Stray and Feral cat are appended in Attachment 1 for reference purposes. Community cat populations: generally consist of a mixture of feral cats, strays, semisocialized cats and lost and abandoned pets. Feral Cat Colony ( Cat Colony, Colony, or Managed Cat Colony ): is defined as a group of three (3) or more sexually mature (aged five (5) to six (6) months or more) cats living and feeding in close proximity. 1 A managed colony is a group of un-owned cats that are controlled by a T.N.R. program or similar approach. Trap, Neuter, Release (or Return) Program: is a volunteer-run program through which free-roaming feral cats are humanely trapped; spayed/neutered and vaccinated; and returned to the locations where they were found or to suitable alternate locations. Kittens and cats that are social (perhaps strays or owned) are adopted following the treatment. In addition to trapping; sterilizing/vaccinating; and releasing a feral cat that is unfit for adoption to a managed cat colony, a T.N.R. program also incorporates a management component where volunteers maintain the cat colony where the treated feral cat is released. Cat colony management includes, but is not limited to, providing food and basic shelter for the cats in the colony; keeping accurate records of treated and released feral cats; and maintaining community relations. 5.2 Potential Issues: T.N.R. Program In the context of Oshawa, a potential City-approved T.N.R. program presents the following four (4) issues: nuisance and the potential destruction of private property and environment; zoning and land-use implications; adaptability to municipal and provincial legislation; and issues related to private v. public property and the removal of stray/owned cats. These issues are detailed below. 1 Slater, M., The welfare of feral cats, The welfare of cats, edited by I. Rochlitz, Springer, The Netherlands, (2005):

4 Corporate Services Committee Page Nuisance and the Destruction of Private Property and the Environment Feral cats are known to generate nuisance-related issues when they are near residential areas. For instance, [c]omplaints about cats are often about their behaviours such as spraying urine, yowling and fighting (often at night), and fouling areas with urine and faeces leading to contamination of the environment. In addition, people do not like finding sick, injured, or dead cats, or remains of any prey items. Some of these objectionable behaviours are reduced or absent once the cat is sterilized 2 Members of the public have indeed articulated some of the aforementioned sentiments through correspondence to the Corporate Services Committee. Furthermore, the predation of wildlife is of particular concern to wildlife advocates as cats are known to hunt small mammals and birds. 3 Providing a readily available source of food may reduce predation of prey species; however, regular feeding is unlikely to stop predation completely as cats are motivated to hunt. 4 The International Companion Animal Management Coalition recommends the following should a jurisdiction/organization undertake a T.N.R. intervention: Managed colonies should not be maintained where cats are known to pose a threat to vulnerable species, near municipal water supplies, and other areas where they are very likely to come into conflict with humans or in regions where terrestrial wildlife rabies is epizootic unless widespread vaccination of cats against rabies is included. The T.N.R. location should give caretakers easy access and be safe for the colony (away from major roads) without attracting excessive attention from passers-by as T.N.R. colonies may attract the abandonment of owned cats. A T.N.R. intervention should not be started if a significant proportion of the community is opposed, which could pose a threat to returned cats, or if there are no reliable caregivers to look after the cats. Any T.N.R. intervention will require a public education campaign. 2 International Companion Animal Management Coalition. Humane Cat Population Management Guidance. London: International Companion Animal Management Coalition, Humane cat population management guidance. International Fund for Animal Welfare. Web. 24 Jan < 3 Ibid, Ibid, 20.

5 Corporate Services Committee Page Zoning and Land-Use Implications The City s Zoning By-law ( Zoning By-law ) controls the use of land within the City. Upon review of the zoning categories and land uses in the City of Oshawa, it is staff s opinion that the zones listed below are the only locations where a managed cat colony can lawfully exist. Agricultural Zones (AG-A, AG-B, and AG-ORM) Open Space Zones (OSU-U, OSR-A, OSR-B, OSH, and OSR-M) Mineral Aggregate Zones (MA) Urban Reserve Zones (UR) Airport Zones (AP-B and AP-D) This opinion is premised on the fact that these zones permit Agricultural Uses, a definition in the Zoning By-law that most closely describes the use of land for the purposes of managing a cat colony. The Zoning By-law defines Agricultural Use as: an area of land with or without accessory buildings, structures or outdoor storage which is used primarily for: (a) the growing and harvesting of vegetables, fruits, field crops, mushrooms, berries, trees, flowers or landscaping materials, and may include woodlot and forest tree uses; (b) the breeding, training, raising or boarding of birds, fish or animals of any kind; (c) the erection and use of greenhouses; (d) the packing, crating, storing, and sale of produce grown on the premises; or (e) other similar uses customarily carried on in the field of general agriculture, but does not include a kennel. Managed cat colonies located in zones where Agricultural Uses are not permitted would be considered being in contravention of the City s Zoning By-law. Furthermore, managed cat colonies should not be located in wildlife refuges or breeding areas, near habitats of threatened or endangered species, or in other ecologically sensitive areas 5 given that feral and stray cats may negatively impact the surrounding environment. In the context of the City s Official Plan, Schedule D-1 (Attachment 2) identifies the extent of the Natural Heritage System 6 within the City and as such, the presence of managed cat colonies within areas comprising this system may be considered to be detrimental to the City s Environmental Management objectives. 5 6 Free-roaming, Abandoned, and Feral Cats - Position Statement. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Documents Free-roaming, Abandoned, and Feral Cats - Position Statement. N.p., 4 Apr Web. 22 Feb Refers to a connected system of environmental components consisting of key natural heritage features, key hydrologic features, riparian corridors and areas identified for natural cover regeneration/restoration that will improve connectivity and habitat. Specific features within the Natural Heritage System include areas containing aquifer recharges, headwaters, unique plants, wildlife, breeding or over-wintering habitats, vital ecological functions, rare or endangered species, or other combinations of habitat and landform which could be essential for scientific research or conservation education.

6 Corporate Services Committee Page Adaptation to Municipal and Provincial Legislation T.N.R. programs need to be adapted to address the City s Responsible Pet Owners By-law ( R.P.O. By-law ) and the province s Animal for Research Act, 1990 (A.R.A.) in the following cases: a. R.P.O. By-law: The R.P.O. By-law addresses a broad range of animal care, welfare, and control issues within the City of Oshawa with implications for a T.N.R. program: Running-at-Large: Section 1.29 (a) of the R.P.O. By-law requires all animals, including cats, to be under the physical control of a Person 7 at all times when the animal is in a place other than the owner s Premises 8. In the context of the R.P.O. By-law and a T.N.R. program, the colony cats would be deemed Running-at-large because: the property owner upon which the managed cat colony is situated would be considered the owner of the feral cat(s) as ownership includes by definition Keep 9 ; and feral cats will habitually roam/stray over great distances from the premises upon which the managed cat colony is situated. One study indicated that feral cats have an average roaming range of km 2 (68,800m 2 ) around the managed cat colony; the cats residing in the colony would not be under the physical control of a person and the colony would not likely be located on the managed cat colony caretaker s premises. Pet Licensing: In order for a person to keep a cat in the City of Oshawa, the person must license the cat with the City. Section 5 of the R.P.O. By-law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets older than twelve (12) months to be licensed. A cat colony caretaker or the property owner where the managed cat colony is situated would be required to license the cats affiliated with the colony. Pet Limits: Section 24.7 of the R.P.O. By-law limits the number of cats kept on any premises to six (6). A cat colony caretaker or the property owner where the managed cat colony is situated would be in violation of the By-law if the number of cats in the colony exceeded six (6) Person is defined to include an individual, partnership, association, firm or corporation. Premises is defined to include a dwelling unit, a house or building and the land or premises on which the building or house is situated or attached. Keep means to temporarily or permanently control, harbor, have custody of, keep, maintain, possess or store.

7 Corporate Services Committee Page 7 b. Animals for Research Act: The Province s A.R.A. establishes minimum standards for the humane care and use of all animals in research. In addition to research facilities, the A.R.A. requires a pound (i.e., Oshawa Animal Services) to hold an impounded dog or cat for a period of no less than three (3) days excluding the day in which the dog or cat was impounded. This period is referred to as the redemption period. Following the redemption period, a pound may sell or gift a dog or cat to an individual for three (3) specific purposes: as a pet; for use in hunting; or for working purposes. The A.R.A. also contemplates the destruction of impounded dogs or cats that are not redeemed. However, the A.R.A. only applies to feral cats that are considered to be impounded pursuant to the R.P.O. By-law Trespassing on to Private Property and Removal of Stray/Owned Cats The activities of T.N.R. programs, which include trapping feral cats and maintaining colonies, typically occur on lands not owned by the cat colony caretakers. Engaging in such activities on private property without consent would constitute trespassing onto property. A similar concern relates to the practice of trapping in a T.N.R. program. Given that traps do not discern between the status of a cat (owned, stray and/or feral), there is a general concern that a T.N.R. program may inadvertently trap and include a stray/owned cat in the program. In some cases, a stray/owned cat, which has been trapped as part of a T.N.R. program, could potentially be removed from its neighborhood and adopted out to new owners. 5.3 Questions from Corporate Services Committee In addition to directing staff to report on T.N.R. programs and feral cats in the City of Oshawa, the Corporate Services Committee, at its January 16, 2016 meeting, directed staff to investigate and provide responses to the following questions: a. When staff at Animal Services collect a feral cat with a marked ear, is it our current practice not to release those cats? Staff Response: Feral cats from O.A.S. are not returned to colonies. b. When we collect marked feral cats, how long are they in custody until no longer in our custody? Staff Response: All animals are required under the A.R.A. to be held for a seventy-two (72) hour hold period. All animals are assessed for temperament and condition and all attempts are made to find the owner. When space allows, O.A.S. also spends time working with fractious cats to increase their potential for adoption.

8 Corporate Services Committee Page 8 c. What is the cost for keeping that feral cat in our care until we no longer have it in our care? Staff Response: Approximate cost of care for any cat at O.A.S. is thirty (30) dollars per day. This does not include any extenuating medical costs that may arise nor any feline enrichment. d. Do we have ability to issue a tax receipt for the generosity of those caring individuals who are paying to have feral cats spayed and neutered? Staff Response: No, the City only has the ability to issue a tax receipt for donations. 5.4 Feral Cats and Cat Colonies in Oshawa Staff attempted to scope the issue of feral cats in the City using a multifaceted approach examining: O.A.S. Shelter Intake Software ( Chameleon ) Complaints of feral cats received through Service Oshawa and Municipal Law Enforcement (M.L.E.) Services Data provided by Action Volunteers for Animals (A.V.A.), a Durham-based non-profit engaged in T.N.R. efforts Data from field observations conducted by M.L.E. Based on the sources of data examined above, it appears that the feral cat issue is limited in the City of Oshawa. The data examined by staff is as follows: a. O.A.S. Shelter Intake Software (Chameleon) data is detailed in Table 1. Table 1 Number of Feral Cats Impounded by O.A.S. by Year b. Code Enforcement (Oshawa Land Information System) complaints received by Service Oshawa and M.L.E. The total number of complaints received about feral cats since March 2000 is thirteen (13). c. Data provided by A.V.A. A.V.A. provided a list of fifteen (15) known feral cat colonies that are presently active 10. A.V.A. estimates that approximately seventyfive (75) to one-hundred and twenty-five (125) sterilized feral cats are presently living within the City of Oshawa. Most of these cat colonies are located in residential 10 Data current to February 24, 2017

9 Corporate Services Committee Page 9 areas in South Oshawa; the Central Business District; and in the vicinity of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College. d. Field observations by M.L.E. Inspections of the six (6) largest colonies identified by T.N.R. volunteers were conducted in March Observations of the locations identified did not confirm the existence of feral cats at the locations or any evidence of colony management (feeding or housing stations). 5.5 Preliminary Literature Review of Feral Cats and T.N.R. Programs Staff conducted a preliminary review of available literature on the issue of T.N.R. and feral cats. The following are the findings from the preliminary literature review: There is a general consensus in the veterinary and animal-welfare community that T.N.R. programs can successfully augment existing animal control efforts provided they are well-managed, properly implemented, and if the abandonment of owneddomesticated cats in managed cat colonies is mitigated. Notwithstanding this, there is research that asserts that T.N.R. programs are ineffective in achieving their stated goals and that such program are detrimental to the local environment. A T.N.R. program as a method to manage roaming cat populations may not be suitable in all circumstances 11 and cases of failed T.N.R. programs have been well documented. 12 The success of a T.N.R. program is dependent on the following factors including: There is significant support from the surrounding community and reliable colony caretakers; 13 Number of feral cats within a colony is small to begin with (30 to 40 or less); 14 New entrants (cats) to the colony through immigration and/or abandonment of owned cats is nil or very limited; 15 Cats in the area can be captured and spayed/neutered; 16 Location of colony is accessible so that pockets of untrapped cats do not remain; 17 and, International Companion Animal Management Coalition. Humane Cat Population Management Guidance. Levy, Julie K., and P. Cynda Crawford. "Humane strategies for controlling feral cat populations." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2004): Web. International Companion Animal Management Coalition. Humane Cat Population Management Guidance. Jessup, David A. "The welfare of feral cats and wildlife." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2004): Web. Ibid, Ibid, Ibid, 1380.

10 Corporate Services Committee Page 10 Capture and neutering efforts are early, intense, and prolonged. 18 Feral cat population reduction as a result of a T.N.R. program is not immediate and population attrition can take several years. 19 Colonies should not be located in ecologically sensitive areas 20, adjacent to wildlife habitats or in communities with high rates of nuisance complaints for free-roaming cats. 21 Any realistic plan to control feral cats requires all stakeholders (including the municipality) to: Determine the magnitude of the problem and to assess the proper control method to be used Engage in continuous control and management methods (T.N.R.) Assess degree of public affection for feral cats Requires a sustainable low cost or no cost spay/neuter program 5.6 Other Municipalities: T.N.R. Programs Staff conducted a broad survey of other municipalities as part of the research process. Most municipalities supported T.N.R. programs as a method of controlling their local feral cat populations. The results of the survey are as follows: City of Pickering: The City of Pickering endorses T.N.R. programs in principle and staff have worked with residents and current colony caretakers to sterilize the (5) remaining cats requiring T.N.R. in Spring/Summer of The costs of sterilization were absorbed by the current Animal Services Operating Account. Staff directed the delegates to bring any young kittens that are found in any feral cat colony located in Pickering to Pickering Animal Services to become part of the adoption program. City of Pickering has also worked with local veterinarians to implement The Durham Region Spay Neuter Assistance Program (D.R. S.N.A.P.) to Pickering residents Town of Whitby: The Town is currently working on the development of a T.N.R. program with a public education component Ibid, Schmidt, Paige M., Todd M. Swannack, Roel R. Lopez, and Margaret R. Slater. "Evaluation of euthanasia and trap neuter return (TNR) programs in managing freeroaming cat populations." Wildlife Research 36.2 (2009): 123. Web. Wildlife refuges or breeding areas, near habitats of threatened or endangered species, or in other ecologically sensitive areas. Schmidt, Paige M., Todd M. Swannack, Roel R. Lopez, and Margaret R. Slater: 123.

11 Corporate Services Committee Page Town of Clarington: Clarington s Animal Services staff will work with local animal advocate groups to create a T.N.R. program for feral cats. The municipality does not seek out, trap and spay feral cats and residents are provided with information on how best to deter feral cats. The animal shelter accepts animals on a limited admission basis, not to exceed its capacity to care for these animals. Sick or injured animals are given priority, due to limited space. Clarington Animal Services staff will look into creating a volunteer-based T.N.R. program that may be eligible for donations and community grants City of Toronto: In 2010, a coalition of municipal animal control, humane organizations, and rescue groups was formed to work collectively to improve the lives of feral cats through strategic and coordinated T.N.R. programs. Toronto Animal Services also re-aligned their cat intake policy to manage stray cats. Animal Services no longer picks up stray cats unless they are injured and/or in distress. In four years, the Coalition sterilized over 6000 feral cats. At Toronto Animal Services between 2010 and 2013, euthanasia of feral cats dropped by 88% and stray intake by 45% City of London: In 2008, the City of London implemented a T.N.R. program to address the growing feral cat population. The feral cats are humanely trapped, transported to licensed veterinarians for sterilization, vaccination and ear-tipping. The program is a community-based initiative involving the City s Animal Services, volunteers and community partners. Over 800 cats have been spayed and neutered as a result of the program and the number of cats euthanized at their municipal shelter has declined City of Thunder Bay: A T.N.R. Program has been implemented. Almost 200 cats have been successfully trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and returned to their colonies within the City. All cats have winter shelter and are thriving. The feral cats continue to be fed and cared for by colony caretakers. They have seen a 48% decrease in the number of cats into the Animal shelter and a 41% decrease in cat euthanasia City of Windsor In 2012, the Windsor Humane Society established a targeted T.N.R. program whereby they provided resources (spay/neuter vouchers) to caregivers to spay or neuter feral cats. One thousand vouchers were offered in the first year and eight hundred in the second year for both feral cats and low-income residents to spay/neuter their own cats. The cat intake dropped by more than one thousand cats in 2012 and more than 600 cats in the following year.

12 Corporate Services Committee Page City of Markham In March of 2015, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals collaborated with the City of Markham to launch a T.N.R. project. Because the program is relatively new, there are currently no statistics to report. 5.7 Potential Options for T.N.R. in Oshawa A successful T.N.R. program is one that achieves the following three (3) objectives: 22 a) Animal Welfare providing improved health and quality of life for feral cats b) Animal Control protecting the public and addressing cat overpopulation and nuisance issues by: Controlling reproduction (sterilizing feral cats) Vaccinating feral cats against diseases Reducing the population of feral cats through natural attrition and, in some cases, adoption c) Protection of Wildlife reduce impact of predation on prey species Moreover, an effective T.N.R. program, according to the International Companion Animal Management Coalition, needs a comprehensive approach. Each programme should be tailored for a particular site according to the local cat population itself, local circumstances relating to cat ownership and wildlife sensitivity, and community wishes for the future cat population and their expected level of involvement in any programme. 23 The following preliminary options developed by staff and outlined below were informed by the T.N.R. best practices detailed earlier and the issues identified in Section 5.2 of this report. It is important to note that the options in this section are preliminary and require further consultation, research, and development. 22 International Companion Animal Management Coalition. Humane Cat Population Management Guidance, Ibid, 22.

13 Corporate Services Committee Page 13 Option A Current State: Manage Feral Cats on a Case-By-Case Basis Division/ Stakeholder O.A.S. M.L.E. T.N.R. Group (Volunteers) Role Impound feral cats as surrendered by resident Feral cats are assessed for potential adoption Feral cats that are not suitable for adoption are not returned to cat colonies Continue to apply the provisions of the R.P.O. By-law and specifically provisions related to: Running-at-large Pet Licensing Pet Limits Note: M.L.E. does not respond to cat running-at-large calls-for-service. Residents are encouraged to trap nuisance cats running-at-large on their properties and surrender them to O.A.S. or contact M.L.E. for impoundment (pick up). T.N.R. group continues to trap feral cats for sterilization/vaccination Sterilized/vaccinated cats must be adopted or transferred to another jurisdiction where feral cats can exist in compliance with the jurisdiction s by-laws (ex. Running-at-large, pet licensing, pet limits).

14 Corporate Services Committee Page 14 Option B Endorse and Support a City- Registered T.N.R. Program on Private Properties Note: Private property refers to lands not owned by a public authority including, but not limited to, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and municipal corporations. Additionally, managed cat colonies would be required to be located in lands zoned for Agricultural Uses such as Agricultural Zones (AG-A, AG-B, and AG-ORM); Open Space Zones (OSU-U, OSR-A, OSR-B,OSH, and OSR-M); Mineral Aggregate Zones (MA); Urban Reserve Zones (UR); Airport Zones (AP-B and AP-D). Division/ Stakeholder O.A.S. Role O.A.S. administers a T.N.R. Volunteer Registration program: T.N.R. groups and their colony caretakers ( volunteers ) would be required to be registered with the City Volunteers must attend a City-approved T.N.R. training program provided by a third party Registered groups must comply with operating standards; some examples include: Managed cat colonies would only be permitted in certain Cityapproved areas and locations on the property (ex. rear yards) Location of the managed cat colony requires consent of the private property owner and the City Colony caretaker would be required to attain support of adjacent neighbours and 60% of surrounding property owners within a 150 metre radius of the managed cat colony Must notify surrounding residents prior to engaging in trapping activities Trapping would only be permitted on properties where consent by the cat colony caretaker has been attained Maintain records related to cats trapped, neutered, and released O.A.S. initiates a Feral Cat Support Program comprised of the following: Loaning of Feral Cat Traps: O.A.S. loans cat traps to Feral cat caretakers at no charge, in an effort to Trap, Neuter and Release the stray cat population. Free Feral Cat Food Bank: Providing a sustainable support of food to colony caretakers Other Support: Offering meeting space to run workshops and webcasts, assist with the development of a public education and outreach plan and provide other supports to T.N.R. groups on an asrequired basis

15 Corporate Services Committee Page 15 Division/ Stakeholder M.L.E. T.N.R. Group (Volunteers) Amend R.P.O. By-law: Role Running at Large exempt feral cats from section 1.29 (a) respecting animals being found in a place other than the Owner s premises and not under the physical control of any Person Pet Licensing and Limits on Property: R.P.O. to be amended to establish exemption for registered colony caretakers, subject to conditions, from licensing and pet limit requirements. Registered T.N.R. groups operate a T.N.R. program in compliance with the City s standards Note: Under this option, cat colonies would not be permitted in any zones other than those zoned for Agricultural Uses including: Agricultural Zones (AG-A, AG-B, and AG-ORM); Open Space Zones (OSU-U, OSR-A, OSR-B, OSH, and OSR-M); Mineral Aggregate Zones (MA); Urban Reserve Zones (UR); Airport Zones (AP-B and AP-D). This report does not reflect or infer that any changes are contemplated with respect to the Zoning By-law nor has Development Services been asked to consider expanding the land use rights for feral cat programs/colonies/shelters to other zones.

16 Corporate Services Committee Page 16 Option C Endorse and Support a City- Registered T.N.R. Program on Public Properties Note: Public property refers to lands owned by a Public Authority including, but not limited to, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and municipal corporations. Examples of properties could include municipal parks (not located near the Natural Heritage System); other municipal properties; and properties owned/leased by postsecondary institutions. Division/ Stakeholder O.A.S. Role O.A.S. administers a T.N.R. Volunteer Registration program: T.N.R. groups and their colony caretakers ( volunteers ) would be required to be registered with the City Volunteers must attend a City-approved T.N.R. training program provided by a third party Registered groups must comply with operating standards; some examples include: Managed cat colonies would only be permitted in certain Cityapproved areas and locations on the property Location of the managed cat colony requires consent of the property owner and the City Colony caretaker would be required to attain support of adjacent neighbours and 60% of surrounding property owners within a 150 metre radius of the managed cat colony must notify surrounding residents prior to engaging in trapping activities Trapping would only be permitted on properties where consent by the cat colony caretaker has been attained Maintain records related to cats trapped, neutered, and released O.A.S. initiates a Feral Cat Support Program comprised of the following: Loaning of Feral Cat Traps: O.A.S. loans cat traps to Feral cat caretakers at no charge, in an effort to Trap, Neuter and Release the stray cat population. Free Feral Cat Food Bank: Providing a sustainable support of food to colony caretakers Other Support: Offering meeting space to run workshops and webcasts, assist with the development of a public education and outreach plan and provide other supports to T.N.R. groups on an asrequired basis

17 Corporate Services Committee Page 17 Division/ Stakeholder M.L.E. T.N.R. Group (Volunteers) Role Amend R.P.O. By-law: Running at Large: Exempt feral cats from section 1.29 (a) respecting animals being found in a place other than the Owner s premises and not under the physical control of any Person Pet Licensing and Limits on Property: R.P.O. to be amended to establish exemption for registered colony caretakers, subject to conditions, from licensing and pet limit requirements. Registered T.N.R. groups operate a T.N.R. program in compliance with the City s standards 5.8 Conclusion T.N.R. programs can effectively augment traditional animal control programs if they are well managed and properly implemented. Indeed, the majority of municipalities surveyed are in the process, or have supported, volunteer-run T.N.R. programs in their communities. Notwithstanding this, T.N.R. programs, and specifically managed cat colonies, may introduce negative impacts, as detailed In Section 5.2, within the community they are based. Furthermore, these impacts can be exacerbated if the T.N.R. program is mismanaged and the impacts may last for several years as they are connected with the life cycle of treated cats. Given that public and community support has been identified by T.N.R. experts as a determinant of success, staff recommend that a public consultation process be undertaken to obtain additional information and assess the community s support for such an initiative. 6.0 Financial Implications At this time staff do not anticipate any increase in service costs or staffing associated with Feral Cat programs. Notwithstanding this any future recommendations related to a potential T.N.R. program surfacing from the public consultation process and Committee/Council input may require a further review and updates if there are resulting recommendations which could lead to increased costs and staffing growth.

18 Corporate Services Committee Page Relationship to the Oshawa Strategic Plan The recommendations in this report respond to the Oshawa Strategic Plan Goal of 4.2: Accountable Leadership: Deliberate Community Engagement, and Develop and Leverage Relationships Strengthen, expand and recognize the volunteer sector Glenn Simmonds, Director, Operations Services Jerry Conlin, Director Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services Ron Diskey, Commissioner, Community Services Department Beverly Hendry, Commissioner, Corporate Services Department Attachments

19 Attachment 1 Differences Between a Stray and Feral Cat Stray It may be possible to touch the cat eventually or she may tolerate a small amount of touching with an object May come to the front of the cage Touch barrier Feral Cannot be touched, even by a caregiver Cage behavior Will likely stay in the back of the cage and retreat as far back as possible May eventually rub against the cage in a friendly way May relax over time May investigate toys or food placed near the cage May respond to household sounds like cat food cans or bags being opened If jolted or frightened, may shake, rattle, or climb the cage, and could become injured banging into the cage Level of relaxation Will remain tense and unsocial Level of responsiveness Will likely ignore all people and toys, and possibly even food Will not show any familiarity or interest in household sounds

20 Stray May hiss or growl to show anxiety Fear & anxiety Feral Will be aggressive and lash out if threatened or cornered (signs of aggression include ears back and eyes dilated)

21 TOWN OF WHITBY MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON TOWNSHIP OF SCUGOG Attachment 2 See Schedule 'D-1' Environmental Management South Half NO T E S : 1. TH I S S C H E D UL E S H O U L D B E R E A D I N CO N J U NC T I O N W I TH T H E TE X T Legend Natural Heritage and/or Hydrologic Features Outside of the Natural Heritage System *Oshawa Official Plan conformity exercise December 7, 2015 Hazard Lands ,000 Metres Greenbelt Protected Countryside Area Boundary Natural Heritage System Oak Ridges Moraine Boundary [ Known Waste Disposal Assessment Area Policy (ii) Known Waste Disposal Assessment Area Deferral No Two Zone Floodplain Management Policy Area Exhibit 31 to City of Oshawa Official Plan Amendment 179: Schedule 'D', Environmental Management (North Half), of the Part I Plan, as Amended to Incorporate Changes Pursuant to Exhibits 20 to 30

22 See Schedule 'D-1' Environmental Management North Half [ MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON TOWN OF WHITBY NO T E S : 1. TH I S S C H E D UL E S H O U L D B E R E A D I N CO N J U NC T I O N W I TH T H E TE X T Legend Hazard Lands ,000 Metres Greenbelt Protected Countryside Area Boundary Natural Heritage System Natural Heritage and/or Hydrologic Features Outside of the Natural Heritage System *Oshawa Official Plan conformity exercise December 7, 2015 Lake Ontario Oak Ridges Moraine Boundary [ Known Waste Disposal Assessment Area Policy (ii) Known Waste Disposal Assessment Area Deferral No Two Zone Floodplain Management Policy Area Exhibit 32 to City of Oshawa Official Plan Amendment 179: Schedule 'D', Environmental Management (South Half), of the Part I Plan, as Amended to Incorporate Changes Pursuant to Exhibits 20 to 30