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What is a Nuisance
Cat?
Neighbor:
You enjoy your neighbors, but you are having problems with your
neighbor’s cat. It is sleeping on your new vehicle by
scratching the paint and leaving muddy footprints. You have
observed this cat resting on lawn furniture and when planting
your springtime flowers, you found a cat “deposit” (feces).
Whatever the details, the problem is that a loose cat is being a
nuisance to you. Communicating with the cat’s owner, explaining
the problem in a kind, calm, and patient manner, may resolve the
issue.
Cat Owner:
Your cat lives inside your home, but goes outside for “cat
adventures.” You have always had a cat that enjoys the outdoors
and you have never experienced a neighborhood complaint
associated with your cat.
A loose animal can
result in neighborhood disputes. Cats present unique problems
due to their specific behaviors such as sunning on vehicles,
climbing, scratching, spraying urine, using flowerbeds as litter
boxes, and shedding large quantities of hair. Pet problems can
soon become “people problems”. This neighborhood issue of a
nuisance cat can be resolved in an amicable fashion if
communication, patience, and politeness are part of the process.
Cat owners are often
surprised to learn of Huntsville’s cat ordinance that does
require your cat to stay on your property and to ensure your cat
does not bother neighbors.
Cat Confinement
and Nuisance Ordinance: Huntsville Ordinance Sec. 5-44
Duty to restrain (b) states: It shall be unlawful for the owner
or any person having custody or control of any cat within the
city to allow such cat to be a nuisance, cause destruction or
damage to the property of another, or to run at large; however,
no prosecution shall be commenced and no arrest made pursuant to
this section except upon affidavit made before and warrant
issued by a judge or magistrate of municipal court.
The safest thing for
your cat and quickest resolution is to move the cat indoors.
Did you know that an “outside only” cat lives an average of 3-8
years, whereas an “inside only” cat may live 15-18 years?
Obviously the safest thing for our beloved felines is to live
safely indoors with us. Cats can easily be acclimated to live
inside. Discuss this transition with your veterinarian.
Neighbor:
You have been patient, but the problem has not been resolved.
What should be your next step? An Animal Service Officer will
communicate directly with the cat owner, explaining the
ordinance and offering solutions. A humane trap from the City
of Huntsville Animal Services is an option. An Animal Service
Officer will show you how it works; explain when to set the
trap, and what to do when you catch a cat. As a property owner,
you have the right to humanely trap or confine any animal on
your property and surrender the animal to our department. The
cat owner has the right to reclaim the animal from our office.
You may choose not to
trap or the trapping may have been unsuccessful (not being able
to trap the cat or the owner reclaims the cat and continues to
let it run at large) so you may choose another solution of going
to our City Municipal Court and talking with a City Magistrate.
You, the complainant, have the burden of proof in this
situation. The City Magistrate will need the cat owner’s
information: name and address. This information will be used
to issue a court summons. In court, you and the pet owner will
discuss this situation and the judge will help you find a
solution.
It is recommended
that each individual keep a “cat journal.” This journal
documents facts regarding dates, times, cat activities and
behaviors. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words,
especially video recordings.
Cat Owners
Violations and Citations. Cat Owners can face many
violations and citations if their cat is being a nuisance to
neighbors. If the cat is trapped and surrendered to our
department, impoundment and boarding fees will be required. A
city license and a rabies immunization will be required to be
current prior to release of the cat. Court violations may be
required pet educations classes ($25.00) to citations ($211.00 -
$450.00).
We hope that this
information is informative and helpful. Pet are wonderful
additions to our lives, but they are a responsibility.
Contact Information:
Huntsville Animal Services
4950 Triana Blvd.
Huntsville, AL 35805
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Office opens at 9:00 a.m.
883-3782
To request a trap:
883-3788
Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
City of Huntsville
Magistrate
815 Wheeler Ave.
Huntsville, AL 35801
427-7861
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cat Owner
Solutions
Cat Training
Neuter your cat - un-neutered cats are more likely to have
nuisance behaviors.
Bring your cat indoors!
Provide cat fencing, invisible fencing, hot wire, or a screened
exercise area to keep your cat home!Find a new home for your
pet.
Surrender your pet to our department. |
