Cranbury cat owners: want your cats licensed?

[Guest]

[neighbor]

This is a total waste of the TC, township staff, and resident's time. We have thousands being laid off, we have COAH that isn't going away, we have budget issues and we are all spending time on cat licenses??? Lets roll up our sleeves and get to the real issues here.

Next everyone will want to tag the black squirrels....

[Jay T.]

That's a good question. Here is my experience so just my two cents.

Prior to the PNC discussion I sent emails to all 5 members of the TC. Only Wayne Wittman replied that he would consider my thoughts and position. At the meeting there was no mention of any letters or emails. When I asked another member of the TC, I was told that emails are hard to validate unless people sign their name and also provide an address and phone number. The TC is volunteer so if they get 20 emails it's 20 phone calls they'd need to make to validate the email. Even then I am not sure it can be officially added to the record other than to say I have received such and such email from X resident.

Now, my view is that communication is a two way street and sometimes it's not easy to navigate. The TC needs to consider all communication when making a decision and respond back to residents who take the time to raise a concern or make a comment. Even if it can't be officially recognized at a meeting.

At the same time, whenever possible I think the TC would appreciate seeing people attending meetings and offering comment even if it is grabbing them before the meeting starts. A lot of people don't like to make a public comment, but are okay 1 to 1.

That being said, one doesn't need to go to all the meetings, but if there is something of interest try to show up. If you can't, then send an email or letter before the vote so it can at least show a view. I hear TC members past and present saying that they often have more comments after a vote than prior.

There is a budget meeting at 9am Saturday that I'll be attending to hear how the money is being spent. I was at the last one and found it very informative.

[Guest]

For the PNC, I emailed all the TC members with my opinion. I included my name, address, and phone number, so that the TC could verify the source if necessary. None acknowledged the reception of my email.

I may not be able to attend TC meetings, but I do read this forum and the Cranbury Press to keep myself in the loop.

I'll definitely show up at voting time.

About the cat licensing issue, I agree that this is a waste of time, energy, and money (there is a budget item for this in 2009).

[Guest]

The cat license issue is solely controlled by Cranbury's Board of Health. This is one committee that does not need permission and is not controlled by our TC. Any ordinances created or funding requirments dealing with our towns Health concerns or risks are at the mercy of our local Board of Health.

They are not concerned with COAH issues, the library, the school, PNC bank, our towns budget, etc. So, the cat license is still on the table and they plan to institute it whether we want it or not. Let me be clear, it is not a done deal. I think they need alot of input from us due to some lack luster information presented at last night's meeting. Don't get me wrong, the method off presentation was great, but the information supplied felt like they were trying to instill fear into our community instead of clearly backing up their real intension of revenue generation for the town and the county.

For all Cranbury residents, you need to voice your opinion to our BOH.

[Guest]

Cranbury Board of Health
Jim Longo, Health Officer, ext. 237
Kristen Hamilton, Secretary, ext 231
Phone (609) 395-0900 • Fax: (609) 395-3560

Daniel Notterman, MD Chairman
Beverly Gerberich Member
Cheryl Coyle Vice-Chair
John Jackson Member

Consultant to the Board of Health
Attorney: Kevin A. Van Hise
Michael Lupovici Township Physician
Michael Young Township Veterinarian

[Jersey Dad]

I called the BOH today and left a message for Jim Longo. I don't know if he reads the blog, but just in case I've posted my comments. Perhaps someone else from the BOH will chime in.

Assuming cat vaccination is relatively painless, affordable and convenient, I would think many cat owners would voluntarily vaccinate their cats if the BOH reached out to them and made a compelling case to do so. I am curious if passing an ordinance making cat vaccinations mandatory is a more effective way to increase cat vaccinations vs. a community awareness effort promoting voluntary vaccination.

[Jay T.]

That's actually the best way to proceed IMO. The April rabbies clinic held at the firehouse is free for residents. If you couple that with a community awareness then it should solve the issue without making a licensing law necessary.

[Guest]

I would rather pay for the license (silly as that is) than be forced to get the shots. We did shots with our cat for years but the vet advised it is not necessary anymore. The cat is 14 years old and hasn't set foot outdoors in over a decade.

[cat owner]

[Frugality in Cranbury]

[Guest]

Just wondering how anyone would know if you own a cat or not. Even if you say you own one cat - how would they know if you own 3? Its not like anyone can go walking through your house to count your cats. Dogs are more obvious, its just a little harder to hide a dog then it is cats

[Jeff M.]

That's why the law is unenforcable and an information campaign without a license requirement is the best way to proceed. It communicates the potential issue, it does not get people upset about being taxed and with the free rabbies clinic shows no reason not to protect the health of your pet or family, even if it's unlikely that your cat will get out and get in a fight.

[Guest]

[Frugality in Cranbury]

[Guest]