Police Chief Michael Sullivan informed village board members at their December meeting, that the Police Department has seen an increase in calls related to stray animals.
Most recently, a feral cat bit a woman in the village.
“It’s something that definitely needs to be addressed,” Sullivan said.
“You can’t drive in the village at 3 a.m. without seeing a set of eyes take off,” Sullivan added, referring to cats.
Feral cats and stray cats are both domesticated animals however; feral cats are generally considered higher risk because they have never socialized with people. Stray cats typically are pets that have been either lost or abandoned.
Sullivan said in Green Bay, residents who are harboring or feeding animals are responsible for acquiring a license for the animal. He also explained that by feeding a stray animal, citizens could be held responsible for that animal’s behavior.
The board suggested the public safety committee discuss the stray/feral animal ordinance at a future meeting.
Village Attorney Robert Sorensen told board members, “It certainly deserves a detailed and thoughtful discussion.”
The board also approved the 2015 stray animal boarding contract with Wolf River Veterinary Clinic.
The clinic will house stray animals for the village for a daily boarding fee of $12 per day for a dog, and $6 per day for a cat.