Montrose - Daily Press

DELTA — Prodded by concerned citizens, the city of Delta has begun crafting solutions to its pet overpopulation and feral cat problems.

Possible changes in the works for the city include amendments to the municipality’s animal control laws and beginning education efforts, Delta Police Department officials said.

Police Chief Robert Thomas, animal welfare advocate Melissa Heinzen and city staff met July 1 to talk about animal control issues, particularly ones related to the area’s feral cats. The group plans to meet again Aug. 14, Heinzen said.

A feral cat, known to Melissa Heinzen as Lily, lives under a fallen tree near Confluence Park. The City of Delta wants to see the feral cats removed from the area. (Daily Press file photo) Advertisement

“I think we’re going to make progress but it’s going to take time,” she said. “Not because no one has ideas but because everyone’s got other jobs ... By this fall, we may have something accomplished.”

Thomas said he hasn’t been in Delta long enough to assess the full scope of the issue, “However, I am working with Ms. Heinzen to address some of the issues that she (raised). We are exploring options and keeping an open mind.”

In April, Heinzen approached the city council about considering a trap, neuter and release program and changing the city’s ordinance to accommodate such a program. Mayor Mary Cooper said at the meeting that staff would be directed to look into Heinzen’s suggestions.

The city’s animal control issued Heinzen a letter in early April asking her to stop feeding a feral cat population at Confluence Park, and also to remove the more than a dozen animals from the park. Four of those animals, which were discarded domestic cats, eventually found homes, Heinzen said.

Delta’s city ordinances limit the number of pets per individual within city limits and also require animals be contained within the property of their owner or custodian. These ordinances put those who care for feral cats in a catch-22 position because the people technically become the animals’ owner or custodian. Montrose has similar laws in place and is dealing with similar problems.

Heinzen and the city have agreed to begin working on several aspects of animal control in addition to reworking the applicable laws, according to police department spokesperson Jamie Head. Heinzen said she suggested making spaying and neutering pets mandatory but Thomas said this would be difficult to accomplish. The department did not say what possible of amendments were being explored.

“Right now it’s just a work in progress,” said Thomas. “The utlimate goal we hope to reach is to get Delta to a point where it is an euthansia-free community or to get the potential for euthansia greatly reduced.”

Heinzen was also asked to acquire a pet rescue license from the state. This would help make her eligible for funding. After looking into the process, Heinzen said she may be covered under credentials held by the local Humane Society, an organization she has worked closely with.

The city is also drafting a letter to educate businesses about the Colorado Pet Animal Care Facilities Act, which sets standards for groups and businesses that raise and care for animals. This legislation requires entities such as boarding and training facilities, pet animal dealers and breeders to become state licensed. “It is unlawful to sell or distribute animals without proper licensing ... We’re wanting to help businesses be aware that this can be an issue,” said Head, who worked in the city’s animal control sector for nine years before becoming public information officer and evidence custodian.

“Massive eradication just doesn’t work,” she said. “We need fresh ideas, fresh options. We’re kind of at a point where Montrose is. We want to explore what we can do and what we are capable of doing to address the issue and to come to some kind of happy conclusion for everyone.”

Contact Lisa Huynh via email at lisah@montrosepress.com

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