Town of Apple Valley
Town Council Public Comment
March 10, 2026
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
Lenore Delgado, Palo Alto, CA
We’re aware all over the state of what is going on in Apple Valley and are horrified by the cruelty practiced there.
Leonor Delgado
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration
Guadalupe Guardado
To [Recipient Name],
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent notices advising residents to stop feeding feral cats. As a tax-funded shelter, what specific actions are you taking to support these animals?
There is significant public concern regarding reports that adoptable cats are being labeled as feral and kept in restricted areas where they are inaccessible to potential adopters and rescues. Furthermore, publicly funded TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programs do not appear to be consistently available. Given that TNVR is the most eƯective solution for managing feral cat populations, why is this program not being prioritized and how are the allocated funds being utilized?
Apple Valley Animal Shelter should do better for these innocent cats and kittens.
I look forward to your response regarding these matters.
Best regards,
Jill E
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Shanshan Zhao
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration
Wayne Anderson
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
The same notice has been issued at least one Mobile Home Park where residents are being left with a lack of support from animal control and property management. There needs to be EDUCATION and PARTNERSHIP from AC, property management and residents to help solve the problem in these communities. I do not think that the shelter wants hundreds of cats dropped oƯ, nor will the shelter take that many. TNR and finding fosters/rescues/homes is a solution. It takes time and caring for the animals in the process is a must to make them adoptable. Help the public do it in an ethical, responsible manner.
Making animals sick and injured is not the solution, especially when AC will not take them in and the shelter will not accept them due to overcrowding.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support.
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sherry
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Christine DiRito
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Constance Stevens
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Justin
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Gina Graham
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
Sara Chat
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dana Alexa
March 9, 2026
I am writing as a bioethicist, a published researcher in the field of animal ethics, and a fellow of the Oxford University Centre for Animal Ethics — I am deeply alarmed about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
This is ethically and legally wrong. It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats. It is also morally unacceptable — your solution is to starve the community cats to death by denying them the only source of sustenance they currently receive? This is not acceptable by any standard.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
The entire country of animal advocates is watching how you handle this. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Erin Sharoni, MBE
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Heather Caulfield
I would like to see a full city wide ban on feeding feral cats.
Nick
To Apple Valley Animal Shelter Management:
I am sending this email today to address the lack of transparency and humane management regarding community cats at our tax-funded animal shelter.
Point 1: Feeding Community Cats We are seeing notices advising residents to stop feeding feral cats or risk punitive measures against these compassionate residents. Yet the shelter has no mechanism to care for these cats. These cats deserve to have food, clean water and medical attention as needed. Without the community taking on themselves to feed and care for these cats, they will die from starvation which is a cruel, painful and slow death. What is the shelter going to do to help these animals? Point 2: The TNVR Gap The shelter oƯers no consistent, accessible TNVR (Trap-NeuterVaccinate-Return) program. TNVR is the only proven, humane method for population control. If the town is collecting taxes for animal services, why are these funds not being prioritized for a robust TNVR initiative?
Point 3: Misclassification of Cats There is significant community concern regarding the 'feral' label being applied to potentially adoptable cats. When a cat is labeled feral, it is often moved to restricted areas, making it invisible to adopters and local rescues. This lack of transparency is a barrier to life-saving and a disservice to the innocent animals in your care.
Apple Valley Animal Shelter must do better. We are asking for:
1. A clear, public accounting of how funds for population control are being spent.
2. An immediate prioritization of a consistent TNVR program.
3. Transparency in how 'feral' designations are determined to ensure adoptable cats aren't being hidden from the public.
Our community expects a shelter that leads with solutions, not just restrictions.
Thank you.
Lee Fern
Good Evening,
I plan to speak during public comment at the March 10, 2026, 6:30 PM City Council meeting regarding Tentative Parcel Map No. 20825.
For ease of reference, I am providing a copy of my intended remarks along with Exhibit A, which summarizes the administrative timeline and history of the project.
I respectfully request that this email, along with the attached documents, be included in the public record for the March 10, 2026, City Council meeting.
My purpose in attending the meeting is simply to make the Council aware of the current procedural status of the application and to respectfully request assistance in allowing the matter to move forward through the Town’s normal administrative review process.
I remain willing to cooperate with Town staƯ to resolve the outstanding issues and would welcome the opportunity to address them administratively if possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Tony Contreras
Property Owner / Applicant – TPM 20825
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) • The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help • Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities • Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Inna Kreydin, OD
Dear Apple Valley Town Council,
I am writing as a community member concerned about the current approach to community cats in Apple Valley.
Residents at an Apple Valley apartment property recently received a notice from their property manager stating that Apple Valley Animal Control advised that if they receive a report of feeding or sheltering stray cats, they will issue a violation and fine, and residents were asked not to feed the animals.
It is currently unclear what municipal code authorizes such enforcement related to feeding community cats.
Community members are also observing that ear-tipped cats (already sterilized community cats) are still entering the Apple Valley Animal Shelter.
These developments raise several policy concerns regarding how community cats are currently managed in Apple Valley:
• Apple Valley does not currently operate a well-established, publicly funded TNVR program (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
• The shelter has adopted managed intake, limiting the ability for residents to bring in cats needing help
• Many cats are labeled “feral” and kept in back rooms, reducing visibility and adoption opportunities
• Residents are being discouraged from feeding community cats, even when those cats remain outdoors without support
When these factors occur together, cats living in the community may receive little or no assistance.
If the notice stating that residents could receive a violation or fine for feeding stray cats was issued without a clear legal basis, I respectfully request that the Town ask Animal Services to withdraw or correct the notice so that residents are not misinformed.
I also respectfully ask the Town to clarify the legal basis for this guidance and to consider establishing a transparent and humane strategy for managing community cats in Apple Valley.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chris Schulze