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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.016 2024-2026From: cinm1970 © c-) Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 9:21 PM Z C:o To: Council Testimony c =CZ Cc: Hustace, James . C Subject: Testimonial Opposing Bill 51 C:) c; �r I am writing today in strong opposition to Bill 51, which would criminalize the compassionate 9t off. feeding homeless animals on county -owned land. This bill is not only inhumane —it is shortsigWted,' unjust, and dangerous. For years, dedicated volunteers have poured their time, money, and love into caring for abandoned animals —many of them victims of human neglect and cruelty. These caretakers are not the problem. They are the only ones consistently stepping up to address it. And now, this bill proposes to fine and punish them for their compassion? That is not just wrong —it is morally backwards. What will become of the animals —specifically the cats —who rely on these caretakers to survive? Without regular feeding and care, these animals will suffer terribly. Starvation is not just a slow death; it is a painful, terrifying one. Sick and malnourished cats will roam farther and farther in search of food and water, expanding the colonies into new neighborhoods and increasing public health concerns. And without access to spay and neuter programs provided by these caretakers, the population will spiral out of control —creating the very problem this bill claims to solve. Bill 51 does nothingto address the real issue: the humans who are dumping these animals in the first place. If we want to stop the suffering and slow the growth of homeless cat colonies, we must start by enforcing existing animal cruelty laws. Criminalize the dumping, not the rescue. Instead of targeting the people doing the hard work, this county should be partnering with them —offering free spay/neuter clinics, wellness care for sick and injured cats, and humane education campaigns. Volunteers should be supported, not treated as criminals. Vote NO on Bill 51. Compassion is not a crime. Comm. b� Ref. To: Ref. Date _ v 2112a fi