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by the Director of Parks and Open Space, following state and federal regulations

Issues

• Private landowners bordering public lands sometimes lack education about wildlife.

• Homeowners may be unaware of animals’ natural habitats.

• Wildlife populations can cause damage.

• Overpopulation can cause decline of habitat.

Strategies

• Monitor populations and movement of animals through sightings, studies and ecological assessments, when feasible.

• Educate residents living adjacent to public lands on ways of coexisting with wildlife, when necessary.

• Wildlife damage, such as deer rubs, woodchuck holes or rabbit browse will be assessed and relevant action taken when needed.

• 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.

• No agency deals 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.