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Chesterfield considers changing rules when it comes to cats in the county

Posted at 9:32 PM, Aug 25, 2014
and last updated 2014-08-25 23:19:39-04

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. --  Chesterfield leaders said the county's cat policies could change after more than 20 cats were left abandoned in the Carter’s Mill neighborhood.

“We need to help this particular situation,” Chesterfield County Planning Commission Chairman Edgar Wallin said. The county will review policies to determine what, if any, changes needed to be made, he added.

"We’re a changing society, and we need to be responsive to the needs of today," Wallin said. "As far as I’m concerned, any option is on the table."

Chesterfield cat lover Mary Cary said the county should use animal control officers to control trap, neuter and then release the stray cats back across the county.

"Two cats can go into 5000 in less than five years," Cary said. "[Trap, spay and neuter] works at eliminating this problem because the shelter is full."

While neighbors have worked to find homes for the cats found in Carter's Mill, 13 of the 20 abandoned cats remained in the neighborhood. The Richmond SPCA agreed to take in all of the cats that weighed four pounds or less.