Board delays plan to colonize Wichita's feral cats

A plan to allow Wichita residents to keep colonies of feral cats in their yards has been delayed.

The Wichita Animal Control Advisory Board voted Wednesday evening to delay the proposal until December or January pending some changes.

The Wichita Eagle reports supporters of the plan say it will reduce the stray cat population by trapping, neutering and releasing them to colonies in backyards.

Opponents say the cats are a threat to wildlife, particularly bird populations.

The board made some decisions on the proposal, including limiting people to eight cats per property, including feral and pet cats. Also no limits would be established for the number of colonies in a given area, but animal-control officers would have discretion to step in if too many are established.