Copperas Cove Ordinance Outlaws Feeding Stray Cats

A recent amendment to Copperas Cove’s animal control ordinance seeks to reduce the number of stray cats in the area, but some residents are not pleased with the measure.

The amendment states that no feral cat may be released within city limits and outlaws feeding feral cats. Anyone found feeding strays could be fined up to $200.

Some residents feel that cat colonies in the area are a health risk, but others believe they are beneficial to the city because they help control the rodent and pest population. Some feel that they would be punished for showing compassion by feeding hungry strays, and a petition is already being circulated seeking to reverse the ordinance.

The ordinance defines a feral cat as any feline that is untamed or un-socialized, with domestic cats being felines that do not show long-term fear or resistance to human contact.