Guthrie council approves community cat management ordinance after lengthy debate

After nearly two hours of debate, the Guthrie City Council voted Tuesday night to approve a new ordinance establishing a framework for Community Cat Management through a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program. The measure, which passed 6-1, comes after months of discussion and multiple drafts.

Councilman Tracy Williams cast the lone dissenting vote.

The ordinance was shaped in large part through collaboration between Mayor Adam Ropp and Lisa New, who leads Helping Community Paws and Claws. New has long been involved in rescuing and sterilizing stray cats in Guthrie. The final version combined elements from two different drafts, with specific language added on caregiver responsibilities.

Councilman Brian Bothroyd voiced concerns over property rights, leading to the addition of a consent form that allows property owners to decide whether sterilized cats are returned to their property.

Supporters, who filled the council chambers, of the measure pointed to the growing problem of abandoned and unfixed cats across the city, saying the TNR program will help stabilize the population while protecting public health. Ropp also noted that several other Oklahoma cities have already adopted similar ordinances.

The new ordinance creates Article 10 of Chapter 3 of the Guthrie Municipal Code, establishing guidelines for humane trapping, sterilization, rabies vaccination, ear-tipping, and returning cats to the field. Among the highlights:

Caregiver Responsibilities: Caregivers must ensure sterilization, vaccination, and proper feeding practices, while keeping records and obtaining property owner permission.
Protections for Ear-Tipped Cats: Cats identified with ear-tips will not be considered strays or at-large animals.
Complaint Process: A system for handling nuisance complaints includes mitigation measures and possible relocation.
Shelter Protocols: Ear-tipped cats brought to shelters must be returned to the field when healthy.
Exemptions: Community cats under TNR are exempt from licensing and at-large provisions.
Property Rights: Property owners will have the right to decline having cats returned to their property through a signed consent form.

The City of Guthrie will now work to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with animal organizations to help manage and assist the TNR program.