Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi
Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi
Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi
Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi
Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi
Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi
Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi
Town of Apple Valley
Special Meeting March 16, 2026
Public Comments
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.
Best wishes,
Zehra Qazi