HUMBOLDT — Feral cats that roam Humboldt continue to carry a conspicuous bull’s eye.
City council members agreed Monday night to a new agreement with Carson and Sons, Toronto, to trap wild cats, as well as other unwanted meanderers such as possums and skunks.
To maintain its presence in Humboldt, Carson reduced the capture fee for cats by $10 to $20, waived travel fees, will transfer animals caught and euthanized to the Allen County Landfill without charge, and will charge $5 to capture and disposal of all animals other than cats and skunks. The handling charge for skunks will be $30. Carson also will replace live traps — some they use are the city’s — for no charge.
Previously this year, Humboldt has paid Carson more than $2,300, much it for travel fees to and from Toronto, said Larry Tucker, city administrator.
“That (travel) was driving up the charges,” he said.
“We need to get a handle on cats,” Tucker added. “You (councilmen) said earlier you wanted to be aggressive” and reduce the number of free-ranging felines.
Feral cats remain a problem in Humboldt, he said, because they “can injure (people) and transport diseases to citizens, and children are especially vulnerable being around such animals.”
Carson’s role in cat control will end once they are captured. The animals then will be kept for three days, the state requirement for domestic animal disposal. Those unclaimed will be euthanized in a chamber filled with carbon dioxide. Chief of Police Brian Dillow said the device, authorized by the council a month ago, had arrived in Humboldt.
Councilman Dan Julich noted the alternative to the Toronto firm was to hire an employee to deal with animal control, which would add to the city’s costs through salary and benefits and also increase the city’s liability exposure. That likely would be more costly, he indicated.
“We have no liability with Carson,” Julich said.
Councilman Wayne Carson suggested having Carson put out traps on request from citizens, rather than set them arbitrarily. The city has some responsibility to control wild animals of all stripes, interjected Fred Works, city attorney.
Action to maintain a contract with Carson came on a motion from Vada Aikins, seconded by Otis Crawford. Wayne Smith and Julich voted in favor; Carson and Sunny Shreve were opposed. Don Walburn left the meeting before the vote for personal reasons and Sam Murrow, who would have been the eighth councilman, resigned his position by letter at the start of the session.
Murrow, whose position will be on the ballot in April 2013, said in his letter he was moving from his district, Humboldt’s First Ward. Mayor Nobby Davis will appoint a replacement, with council oversight, from candidates who make application at City Hall. The new council member will serve until the 2013 election. Murrow has been a councilman since 2005.
Humboldt city council continues to hunt feral cats, other meanderers at a discounted rate
