Pictured from left are Mayville attorney Joe Calimeri, Mayor Shearer and Trustee Ben Webb. Photo by Gregory Bacon

MAYVILLE — There’s a new law in place regarding feral cats in the village.

During the September Mayville Village Board meeting, officials unanimously approved a community cat ordinance.

According to the adopted law, its purpose is to protect the health, safety, welfare and environment of the residents and property owners of the village of Mayville. The law regulates the process of trapping, vaccinating, neutering and releasing (TVNR) feral cats with the hope of controlling the feral cat population within the village.

Alisha Briggs with Little Angels Animal Sanctuary, has been contracted to run a TVNR program in the village. She had requested the village board adopt the ordinance, in part to protect her, as she traps and returns the animals.

She was in attendance at the village board meeting and gave an update on what they’ve done so far.

Briggs said 43 cats have been captured. Of that amount, 13 have been returned, 11 were adopted, 13 are currently in shelter, and six died from distemper.

When the cats are released, their ears are clipped. Residents said they do notice that many of the cats in the Tops parking lot have clipped ears, which means they won’t breed any further.

Residents still complained about people who come to the Tops parking lot and feed the feral cats.

The newly adopted ordinance states the best feeding practice “shall be conducted only within the confines of the property of the person engaged in TVNR practices.” Briggs said that means feeding should not occur on public grounds.