Casper decides against ban on feeding feral cats, dogs

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - Officials in a Wyoming city have decided not to prohibit feeding feral cats and dogs.

The Casper City Council voted instead Tuesday to approve an amended ordinance banning the feeding of wildlife, such as deer and turkeys.

Metro Animal Control recommended the feral dog and cat feeding ban. Feral cats can't be adopted and most taken to the Casper animal shelter are euthanized.

The shelter took in over 1,500 cats and euthanized nearly 500 in 2019, the Casper Star-Tribune reported.

Many residents opposed a ban on feeding feral dogs and cats, however, saying such measures are cruel and ineffective.

Vice Mayor Khrystyn Lutz proposed an amendment removing feral cats and dogs from the ban but saying the city would consider anybody who fed a feral cat or dog that animal's owner.