Free Roaming Cat Task Force Charge revisions

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our community. For the purpose of this task force, free-roaming cats are defined as outdoor cats for whom an owner cannot be readily identified, and who may or may not be loosely affiliated with a caretaker or multiple caretakers. These cats can be sociable, or feral, including individual cats or cat colonies. OCAS STATISTICS According to OCAS statistics, the 2013 intake of cats was 1,483. While 20 percent (296) of these intakes were owner surrenders, fully 80 percent (1,187) were strays. Just 4 percent (56) of intakes were returned to owners. Overall, live releases (returns to owner, adoption, or transfer to placement partners) accounted for 62 percent (926) of intakes, while 34 percent (506) cats were euthanized. Based on the fact that the majority of cat intakes for 2013 were strays, it is clear that free- roaming cats constituted a large percentage of OCAS’ total cat intakes. Further, due to the unique reproductive physiology of cats, OCAS faces seasonal challenges in addressing cat overpopulation. The shelter population can increase sevenfold during “kitten season” which typically spans from late February through June, and the number of cats coming in to the shelter significantly exceeds the capacity of the OCAS adoption and partner placement programs to place them. Based on the above, it is apparent that the free roaming cat situation remains an area of unmet concern that must be addressed. TASK FORCE CHARGE Orange County is a community that that cares deeply for the welfare of animals – both domestic and wild. As a result, the Task Force seeks to develop, in cooperation with OCAS, a humane and holistic approach to manage and reduce the free-roaming cat population, based on the following tenets 1. Improve health of free-roaming cats - Increased spay/neuter of free-roaming cats will reduce litters of kittens, decrease fighting between cats, and reduce cat-to cat-transmission of viral disease and parasites, allowing longer and healthier lives. 2. Protect health for community members – Increased vaccination of free-roaming cats will decrease the potential for rabies transmission. Improved health and reduced populations of free roaming cats will also decrease the potential for other zoonotic disease transmission. 3. Protect wildlife – A reduced and healthier free-roaming cat population will have fewer impacts on birds and other wildlife. 4. Uphold and elaborate community values – All programs must reflect Orange County’s demonstrated concern for and dedication to the humane treatment of animals. 5. Save taxpayer funds – OCAS costs short- and long-term costs will decrease with the reduction in intake and euthanasia of free-roaming cats as well as the decrease in nuisance