As Published in East County Today, March 26, 2014
The Antioch City Council voted last Tuesday night to approve a ban on feeding feral cats on public property while also requiring permits on pet owners who exceed the number of pets allowed on a property.
Under the new ordinance, it is now unlawful to feed feral cats off one’s own property while it is also unlawful to keep more than 5-cats without a permit. For dogs, it’s unlawful to keep more than three without a permit.
The City of Antioch in a 4-1 vote in favor of the ban with Councilman Tony Tiscareno being the lone “no” vote. The council argued that the ordinance does not ban the feeding of these cats, people can still feed them on private property or at their own homes—they simply cannot do it on public property.
The council listened to twenty people from the public speak about the proposed ordinance which a majority stating the council should not approve the feeding ban and allow a trap, neuter, and return to work (TNR Program).
The next hearing open to the public and is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7pm at the City Council Chambers in Antioch.