Description

Hello,

I understand that Alameda has only 1 Animal Control Officer, and I am sorry to add to what I can only assume is an already very full plate.

A group of Bay37 neighbors are wondering if you might be able to assist us with an activist cat group that is causing a nuisance and unsafe conditions. Specifically, there are a few people who regularly feed and care for a feral cat population outside of our homes on Mitchell Avenue.

While caring for these cats, unto itself, is not an issue, the larger concern is the significant amount of trash and refuse that is regularly left behind (see photos for examples). We don’t have a problem with the feedings, but we are hoping you might be able to help us ensure that the mess after feeding is cleaned up promptly. Food, in a large quantity and variety of containers, is left out overnight and throughout the day, creating a hazardous environment for all. It is sometimes picked up around 4pm. Paper plates blow all over public and private property and the community is often forced to clean up after the caregivers. Because the wet and dry food is left out all day, it is also attracting many birds which congregate in the street, on community land, and on public land. It’s a mess and is becoming quite unsafe and unsanitary.

We respect the need to care for these cats and appreciate the work these folks are doing but are kindly asking for support with relocating the feeding area to a space that is less traversed by children and families (to avoid interaction with this garbage) or asking this cat caring community to clean up the mess before dawn. Is this something you might be able to assist with?

We appreciate your help with this matter.

Sincerely,
A concerned citizen