Coon Rapids Police Update Protocol For Community Cats, Urge Use Of Private Rescue Groups

Coon Rapids Police Update Protocol For Community Cats, Urge Use Of Private Rescue Groups

Residents of Coon Rapids have been discussing the issue of community cats with a raised concern, prompting the Coon Rapids Police Department to revise its protocol towards these unowned, free-roaming and feral felines. The department will no longer accept or relocate cats that lack identification, such as a microchip or a collar. As reported by a recent social media post from the Coon Rapids Police Department, the new approach encourages residents to "work with private rescue organizations to discuss options for the animal."

When an owner can be identified via microchip, collar, or missing animal reports, efforts will be made to reunite the cat with its owner. However, if contact cannot be established, the department will hand over the cat to the Animal Humane Society, granting the owner a five-day window to claim their pet. It's important to note, as stated by the department, "The Animal Humane Society does not accept feral cats from us." These changes reflect a shift to embrace more community-oriented solutions for managing the cat population.

The local police have engaged in what they termed "productive conversations" with individuals tied to the animal rescue community, focusing on the challenge presented by the presence of community and feral cats. In their communication, the department expressed gratitude by saying, "We appreciate these conversations and thank the people who have reached out to our department."

Citizens with concerns about feral cats are now directed to consider private organizations for assistance, effectively decentralizing the responsibility from the Coon Rapids Police Department to specialized agencies. This policy update aims to more effectively to handle the issue of feral and free-roaming cats by redirecting them towards services equipped to deal with their specific needs without increasing the burden on law enforcement or municipal animal control resources.

SOURCE: hoodline