Below is the Vinton City Government Quote of the Week, or possibly the whole year:
“We don’t respond to cat calls.” – Vinton Mayor John Watson.
No, the Mayor was not discussing either of the dictionary’s definitions of that slang term for “a shrill whistle or shout of disapproval, typically one made at a public meeting or performance,” or “a whistle, shout, or comment of a sexual nature to a woman passing by.”
He was simply stating the city’s policy on animal control: The city does not respond to calls about stray cats.
Earlier this year, city leaders ended their agreement with Friends of the Shelter, Inc., for cat and dog control, and contracted for dog control with the Cedar Valley Humane Society, but did not take any action on cats.
Vinton City Administrator Chris Ward told the council during Thursday’s meeting that he had received a call from a citizen who wanted the city to take care of a basket of kittens.
The council briefly discussed the issue, but took no action.
One council member, however, predicted that the city has not received the last cat call.
“It’s only a matter of time until it's back on our plate," said Zach Parmater.
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As a regular volunteer at Friends of the Shelter, I can attest to the multiple phone calls, emails and drop-ins we receive on a daily basis of Vinton citizens asking what they can do about the stray cats in the street, their neighborhoods and on their property.
After attempting to work collaboratively with members of the city council, it is disheartening to hear that the city has continued their attempt at ignoring the situation in hopes that it goes away. While it is no secret of mine that the welfare of the animals is a priority for me, this is a much bigger issue. The potential of loved housecats, that either escape outside or are given time in the sun, being exposed to feline leukemia positive cats, fleas or ringworm is going to continue to grow. While we have heard on multiple occasions that the Mayor is here \"to represent the people, not the animals\", the potential of bringing ring worm and/or fleas back into the home is an issue that should not be ignored. I sincerely hope that before the hundreds of cats born this year begin reproducing (which is probably happening now) and finding food in citizens\' garbage and making homes under porches and in garages, our city council formulates a responsible and humane plan for our stray cat population.