26/01/2023
We wanted to give an update on our $500 Citation Hearing from January 12, where we had to appear in Court because Polk County Animal Control had taken in 3 ear tipped, altered, vaccinated cats, who did not have a registered County Tag. Yes, these were all Community Cats that we had fixed and vaccinated that were microchipped to Polk No Kill Coalition under our protocol to microchip all of our trapped cats.
An Animal Control officer did attend, and she stated the County case that these cats were chipped to PNKC so they belong to PNKC and we did not buy tags for them which is the law under the current Ordinance. We, of course, debated that and stated:
1. You cannot put a tag on a Community Cat
2. We cannot buy tags and hold them for 1100+ cats, not to mention the cost would be $11000+ per year
3. We cannot retrap 1100 cats for updated rabies vaccines yearly
3. The people we deal with are not the owners of the cat because they are doing the right thing feeding the colony, in fact the cat may be being fed by many people in the Community. Who do we assign ownership to?
4. Many of our clients are low income, elderly, possibly homeless and they cannot pay the fees if their cat is picked up
5. You are penalizing the good guys (PNKC) who are offering a much needed Community service, helping the people and the cats and lessening the number of cats at Polk Animal Control
The Judge was very nice. She applauded what we are trying to do, but she said her hands are tied as the Ordinance states all animals must have a County tag. She reiterated several times that she has to follow the Ordinance. She did give us a break....this time... and only fined us $50. But she stated if she sees us in front of her again the fine will be $500.
With all this in mind the Board of Directors of PNKC has voted to stop microchipping the cats because we are unable to continue to pay fees (we paid $613 to Polk Animal Control to retrieve the cats in 2022), appear in Court (Taking time off work), especially knowing the next time (and all subsequent times) we will be assessed a $500 fine. We will offer a microchip to our clients but explain that there could be consequences if they do not apply yearly for a tag for their cat(s) and its their option.
The takeaway for us from this whole event, was the Ordinance is antiquated and needs changed. We are researching our options and will get back to you all.
EXCITING NEWS THOUGH!! We are "off to the races" trapping in 2023 and have fixed 88 cats so far in January. The need is greater than ever and we will continue to help the people and cats that need us. Donations GREATLY!!!! needed. PLEASE SHARE!
polknokillcoalition.networkforgood.com/projects
Paypal.Me/TNRsaveslives333
Cash App $PolkNoKillCoalition
