Page 157 - parks-master-plan

• Work with wildlife agencies to manage injured or sick animals on public property.

Policy 13: Feral cats will be treated as wildlife within the City of Dublin

Issues

• Feral cat populations are present within City limits.

• Feral cats are a non-indigenous species to North America.

• Feral cat populations affect wildlife species such as amphibians, reptiles, small rodent and birds.

• The City of Dublin does not have an ordinance against feeding feral cats.

• Currently no agency will deal with sick or injured feral cats on public land.

Strategies

• Treat feral cats like other wildlife is treated per state and federal regulations.

• Include feral cats in all wildlife policies and contracts, implementing a plan to deal with sick or injured cats on public property only.

• Create an ordinance against feeding feral cats, thus discouraging congregating groups.

• Encourage any person within City limits to capture feral cats to spay/neuter and re-release at their own expense.

Policy 14: Deer populations, their impact on public land and traffic safety will be monitored yearly with any necessary action taken

Issues

• Whitetail deer populations are higher than state recommended (15 per square mile) in many areas.

• High deer densities reduce plant diversity in natural areas on public lands.

• High deer densities pose a threat to traffic safety.

• Deer cause damage to park and street trees each year, resulting in additional cost.

• Deer populations have the potential to double every two years.

Strategies

• Consider implementing whitetail deer population studies.

• Assess parks for deer damage on a rotating basis.

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