“Burgaw cat lady” urges ordinance changes for feral cat colonies

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — A Pender County woman known as the “Burgaw Cat Lady” is asking local leaders to revise animal control rules she says unfairly target caretakers of feral cat colonies.

Julie Rowland addressed the Burgaw Town Council on Tuesday, May 12th, urging them to review the town’s current animal ordinance and recognize trap-neuter-return programs, commonly known as TNR, which are used to manage feral cat populations.

Rowland said she cares for several feral cats near South McRae Street in Burgaw. However, after multiple cats were trapped and taken to Pender County Animal Control, she received a citation under the county’s “animals at large” ordinance.

“The ordinance now is any dog or cat running at large, meaning off of a said property running loose,” Rowland told council members. “What I want it changed to is to recognize the TNR program and feral cats, particularly feral cat colonies. That’s the ones where caretakers have had these animals spayed or neutered.”

Rowland argued the ordinance treats feral cats the same as owned pets, creating what she described as an impractical legal standard.

“Right now that ordinance treats these cats the same as owned animals,” she said. “That creates legal problem with no practical solution, but it’s because feral cats cannot be confined.”

Members of the Burgaw Town Council said they would review the town ordinance, but noted any changes to the county’s policy would have to be handled by Pender County officials.

Lt. Keith Ramsey with Pender County Animal Control said in a statement that officers respond when residents report animals on their property and request trapping assistance.

“If we receive a call about an animal on someone else’s property and trapping is requested, officers will attempt to capture the animal and transport it to the animal shelter,” Ramsey said in part.

Ramsey added that the only exception currently outlined in the ordinance applies to hunting dogs being used for hunting or training purposes.

Rowland said she will speak in front of the Pender County Commissioners next month.