ORDINANCE 20-2025 - AN ORDIANANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least five members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, updating various sections of Chapter 505 Animals and Fowl of the Lakewood Codified Ordinances and creating regulations for trap, neuter/spay and release of community cats within the City of Lakewood. (1st read & referred to PS 05/19/25; 2nd reading 6/2/25)
I am very supportive of an updated TNR ordinance in Lakewood. However, a few of the ordinances listed are concerning to me as a Lakewood citizen and as a TNR trapper. I have been doing TNR trapping and cat rescue for almost 3 years now, working and being trained by other seasoned trappers and rescuers. The requirements of being specifically trained, being registered with the city, requiring veterinary clearance to release a spayed/neutered cat, and providing data on trapping every year, all seem like extra hurdles that are not necessary. What is the data collection for? It seems like just unnecessary and useless data. All of these requirements are just extra steps that get in the way of how fluid the nature of TNR and animal rescue is. The medical vet clearance for release will likely cause more stress for the cats because they will likely have to remain in their traps for longer to be seen by a vet. Most advise after surgery 24-48 hrs if no complications arise they can be released. The Cleveland APL advises 24 hours. This requirement will bog down vet offices as they are already flooded with appointments. As for the training, there is only ONE "certified" training, which is virtual, and it only occurs once every few months. There are guides available online that offer the same information, like on Alley Cat Allies. I also believe the restricted time of year for trapping is not viable. Cats are dumped in the winter as well, and caregivers who find new strays or dumped cats may have to act quickly and not have time to obtain authorization to trap by the ACO. Again, I am very supportive of a new TNR ordinance, but I believe it should take into account the current state of veterinary care, animal rescue, and the fluidity of TNR. Unnecessary and useless requirements just hinder good TNR programs. I think it is also important to note that other cities do not have such requirements, and maybe Lakewood should look at how other programs are run, like the Cleveland APL's.
I am very supportive of an updated TNR ordinance in Lakewood. However, a few of the ordinances listed are concerning to me as a Lakewood citizen and as a TNR trapper. I have been doing TNR trapping and cat rescue for almost 3 years now, working and being trained by other seasoned trappers and rescuers. The requirements of being specifically trained, being registered with the city, requiring veterinary clearance to release a spayed/neutered cat, and providing data on trapping every year, all seem like extra hurdles that are not necessary. What is the data collection for? It seems like just unnecessary and useless data. All of these requirements are just extra steps that get in the way of how fluid the nature of TNR and animal rescue is. The medical vet clearance for release will likely cause more stress for the cats because they will likely have to remain in their traps for longer to be seen by a vet. Most advise after surgery 24-48 hrs if no complications arise they can be released. The Cleveland APL advises 24 hours. This requirement will bog down vet offices as they are already flooded with appointments. As for the training, there is only ONE "certified" training, which is virtual, and it only occurs once every few months. There are guides available online that offer the same information, like on Alley Cat Allies. I also believe the restricted time of year for trapping is not viable. Cats are dumped in the winter as well, and caregivers who find new strays or dumped cats may have to act quickly and not have time to obtain authorization to trap by the ACO. Again, I am very supportive of a new TNR ordinance, but I believe it should take into account the current state of veterinary care, animal rescue, and the fluidity of TNR. Unnecessary and useless requirements just hinder good TNR programs. I think it is also important to note that other cities do not have such requirements, and maybe Lakewood should look at how other programs are run, like the Cleveland APL's.