I appreciate that this ordinance affirms TNR as the preferred method for managing community cats and outlines protections for sterilized, eartipped animals. These are positive, humane steps that support long-term population control and community care.
At the same time, I’m concerned about the reliance on penalties and permit systems without sufficient investment in access and equity. Many people—especially in low-income neighborhoods—are already doing the quiet, essential work of caring for stray and community animals. Without accessible services like low-cost microchipping, spay/neuter, or registration help, this ordinance risks criminalizing care rather than supporting it.
We need to treat animal welfare as a community effort, not just an enforcement issue. In a time of shelter overcrowding and widespread pet abandonment, we should build up the people helping, not fine or exclude them. I urge the Council to center support and equity in implementation.
I oppose ordinance #250028. I support TNR and ethical animal welfare, though the bill's entirety will have a punitive impact on families who are unable to access veterinary services since our city does not have a vet clinic in all neighborhoods or ZIP codes. WHS' spay/neuter programs have immense success at helping families unable to afford spay/neuter access this exact care, but even the largest high-volume s/n clinic is currently booked over 3 months in advance. Mandating before providing access is a mis-step in our systemic approach to what could otherwise be an equitable approach to supporting families who need access to services. The end result will ultimately burden shelters with overcrowding, remove pets from families who already love them and needed access to care, and will overwhelm our current national veterinary shortage. Please consider the programs that already exist to continue providing equitable, honest, access to care in achieving the outcomes this bill aims to seek, and please continue to let these programs achieve the results. When programs that prioritize relationship building are funded, we achieve a happier, safer community--the community that we all want.
I oppose this in its current form. While I passionately support TNR, I urge people supporting this to actually read it in it's entirety.
Capping outdoor colony cats at two per property will throw many functioning colonies into immediate violation. My TNR colony has 2. Many colonies are larger than that, are stable, and well-managed. Under this law, healthy, eartipped cats could be removed and euthanized without warning.
Limiting pets to 3 total animals per household is also in there. You have 2 dogs and 2 cats? You need a permit. Child wants a rabbit? Permit and fees.
As WHS President Allison Fotsch stated, mandating microchipping and sterilization without addressing affordability or access will disproportionately hurt low-income families and seniors on a fixed income. Folks who just want to help animals. If this passes, it will encourage people not to TNR, just to avoid the hassle. The wonderful people who do this now, simply out of the kindness of their hearts, need support.
This ordinance expands enforcement while offering no support. It needs major revision before it becomes law. Compassion should never be a code violation. TNR needs help, not more red tape.
While I support the intent of this bill, it's punitive approach will disproportionately impact families with limited access to veterinary care, causing additional financial burden and separations from the pets they love. With a national veterinary shortage, access is already limited, especially in underserved areas. The program I work with serves pet owners on Milwaukee’s near north side, and there is not a single veterinary clinic in our focus area, which covers more than two zip codes. This ordinance mandates services like microchipping and spay/neuter for cats but does not include a plan to ensure those services are available and accessible. In Milwaukee, an estimated 64,000 pets live in households below the poverty line—many of whom would struggle to meet these mandates without a plan for support.
The program referenced above has served more than 24,000 animals and 12,000 families. When we’ve removed barriers like cost and transportation, most families - many who have never been able to access veterinary care before - have chosen to spay/neuter, and microchip their pets. A supportive approach will have the impact we'd like without the negative consequences for pets and people.
I’m writing in strong support of the proposed bill to fund a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in our city. TNR is a humane, effective solution to managing community cat populations. It prevents new litters, reduces nuisance behaviors, and improves public health through vaccination and sterilization.
Community cats also provide a valuable service by helping control rodent populations. Their presence deters rats and mice, reducing the need for harmful poisons and chemical pest control. Cities with active TNR programs report fewer animal complaints, lower shelter intake, and more peaceful coexistence between cats and residents.
This program is not only compassionate—it’s practical and cost-effective. I urge you to support this bill for the well-being of our neighborhoods and the animals who live in them.
I appreciate that this ordinance affirms TNR as the preferred method for managing community cats and outlines protections for sterilized, eartipped animals. These are positive, humane steps that support long-term population control and community care.
At the same time, I’m concerned about the reliance on penalties and permit systems without sufficient investment in access and equity. Many people—especially in low-income neighborhoods—are already doing the quiet, essential work of caring for stray and community animals. Without accessible services like low-cost microchipping, spay/neuter, or registration help, this ordinance risks criminalizing care rather than supporting it.
We need to treat animal welfare as a community effort, not just an enforcement issue. In a time of shelter overcrowding and widespread pet abandonment, we should build up the people helping, not fine or exclude them. I urge the Council to center support and equity in implementation.
I am in full support of this ordinance. TNR Programs work. They take cats who are social off the streets and get them adopted/into foster, the ensure that cats who are not social get neutered/vaxxed, so they are as healthy as possible. These efforts help to reduce the stray/feral population. Without TNR Programs, the overpopulation will only get worse. Additionally those who stand up and are willing to caretake, help to ensure the cats who are too afraid for human interaction are provided for and cared for.
The other parts of the ordinance help to hold pet owners accountable and have responsibility. Mandatory microchipping and neutering/spaying will further help to keep animals off the streets by reuniting them with their owners, and will help to solve overpopulation issues. And the other pieces of the ordinance help to reduce abandonment/cruelty/abuse.
I support this ordinance’s recognition of TNR as the preferred, humane method of managing community cats and appreciate the protections for altered and eartipped cats. These are important, compassionate steps for both animals and their caretakers.
However, I’m concerned about how enforcement may impact marginalized communities. Financial and logistical barriers to microchipping and registration could lead to citations, impoundment, or loss of pets for those already facing housing or income insecurity. Vague nuisance standards and complaint-driven enforcement can also enable biased or targeted reporting in over-policed neighborhoods.
We are in a crisis—too many homeless animals and not enough homes. Shelters are overwhelmed. We must prioritize keeping animals in the loving homes they already have.
I urge the Council to pair these new standards with accessible support: subsidized services, transparent enforcement, and protections for those caring for animals in good faith.
I fully support this ordinance! We as humans have a moral obligation to protect all living beings from cruelty and suffering. Passing this law is a first step in showing that we will not tolerate cruelty and abuse to animals.
As an active Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) non-profit organization, The Urban Cat Coalition supports the updated ordinance. Since 2017 we have provided TNR services to over 6,000 cats. We have largely shouldered the responsibility and costs for these cats, as we recognize most people do not have the financial means to do so.
A TNR ordinance provides the framework and support needed for a larger, successful and sustainable program. This ordinance will legitimize and standardize TNR practices, facilitate better collaboration and reduce shelter intake - leading to fewer cats and kittens entering shelters and ultimately reducing euthanasia rates.
Adopting a TNR ordinance is a responsible and compassionate choice for our community. It offers a humane and effective solution to manage community cat populations, improve public health, reduce nuisance behaviors, and save taxpayer money. By embracing TNR, we can create a better future for both cats and the people who live alongside them.
I appreciate that this ordinance affirms TNR as the preferred method for managing community cats and outlines protections for sterilized, eartipped animals. These are positive, humane steps that support long-term population control and community care.
At the same time, I’m concerned about the reliance on penalties and permit systems without sufficient investment in access and equity. Many people—especially in low-income neighborhoods—are already doing the quiet, essential work of caring for stray and community animals. Without accessible services like low-cost microchipping, spay/neuter, or registration help, this ordinance risks criminalizing care rather than supporting it.
We need to treat animal welfare as a community effort, not just an enforcement issue. In a time of shelter overcrowding and widespread pet abandonment, we should build up the people helping, not fine or exclude them. I urge the Council to center support and equity in implementation.
I oppose ordinance #250028. I support TNR and ethical animal welfare, though the bill's entirety will have a punitive impact on families who are unable to access veterinary services since our city does not have a vet clinic in all neighborhoods or ZIP codes. WHS' spay/neuter programs have immense success at helping families unable to afford spay/neuter access this exact care, but even the largest high-volume s/n clinic is currently booked over 3 months in advance. Mandating before providing access is a mis-step in our systemic approach to what could otherwise be an equitable approach to supporting families who need access to services. The end result will ultimately burden shelters with overcrowding, remove pets from families who already love them and needed access to care, and will overwhelm our current national veterinary shortage. Please consider the programs that already exist to continue providing equitable, honest, access to care in achieving the outcomes this bill aims to seek, and please continue to let these programs achieve the results. When programs that prioritize relationship building are funded, we achieve a happier, safer community--the community that we all want.
I stand in full support. These ordinances are attainable - as someone who works in animal welfare!
I oppose this in its current form. While I passionately support TNR, I urge people supporting this to actually read it in it's entirety.
Capping outdoor colony cats at two per property will throw many functioning colonies into immediate violation. My TNR colony has 2. Many colonies are larger than that, are stable, and well-managed. Under this law, healthy, eartipped cats could be removed and euthanized without warning.
Limiting pets to 3 total animals per household is also in there. You have 2 dogs and 2 cats? You need a permit. Child wants a rabbit? Permit and fees.
As WHS President Allison Fotsch stated, mandating microchipping and sterilization without addressing affordability or access will disproportionately hurt low-income families and seniors on a fixed income. Folks who just want to help animals. If this passes, it will encourage people not to TNR, just to avoid the hassle. The wonderful people who do this now, simply out of the kindness of their hearts, need support.
This ordinance expands enforcement while offering no support. It needs major revision before it becomes law. Compassion should never be a code violation. TNR needs help, not more red tape.
While I support the intent of this bill, it's punitive approach will disproportionately impact families with limited access to veterinary care, causing additional financial burden and separations from the pets they love. With a national veterinary shortage, access is already limited, especially in underserved areas. The program I work with serves pet owners on Milwaukee’s near north side, and there is not a single veterinary clinic in our focus area, which covers more than two zip codes. This ordinance mandates services like microchipping and spay/neuter for cats but does not include a plan to ensure those services are available and accessible. In Milwaukee, an estimated 64,000 pets live in households below the poverty line—many of whom would struggle to meet these mandates without a plan for support.
The program referenced above has served more than 24,000 animals and 12,000 families. When we’ve removed barriers like cost and transportation, most families - many who have never been able to access veterinary care before - have chosen to spay/neuter, and microchip their pets. A supportive approach will have the impact we'd like without the negative consequences for pets and people.
I fully support the proposed TNR ordinance.
I’m writing in strong support of the proposed bill to fund a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in our city. TNR is a humane, effective solution to managing community cat populations. It prevents new litters, reduces nuisance behaviors, and improves public health through vaccination and sterilization.
Community cats also provide a valuable service by helping control rodent populations. Their presence deters rats and mice, reducing the need for harmful poisons and chemical pest control. Cities with active TNR programs report fewer animal complaints, lower shelter intake, and more peaceful coexistence between cats and residents.
This program is not only compassionate—it’s practical and cost-effective. I urge you to support this bill for the well-being of our neighborhoods and the animals who live in them.
I am in full support of TNR and the ethical treatment of animals.
I appreciate that this ordinance affirms TNR as the preferred method for managing community cats and outlines protections for sterilized, eartipped animals. These are positive, humane steps that support long-term population control and community care.
At the same time, I’m concerned about the reliance on penalties and permit systems without sufficient investment in access and equity. Many people—especially in low-income neighborhoods—are already doing the quiet, essential work of caring for stray and community animals. Without accessible services like low-cost microchipping, spay/neuter, or registration help, this ordinance risks criminalizing care rather than supporting it.
We need to treat animal welfare as a community effort, not just an enforcement issue. In a time of shelter overcrowding and widespread pet abandonment, we should build up the people helping, not fine or exclude them. I urge the Council to center support and equity in implementation.
I completely support humane treatment of all animals. Please support!
I am in full support of this ordinance. TNR Programs work. They take cats who are social off the streets and get them adopted/into foster, the ensure that cats who are not social get neutered/vaxxed, so they are as healthy as possible. These efforts help to reduce the stray/feral population. Without TNR Programs, the overpopulation will only get worse. Additionally those who stand up and are willing to caretake, help to ensure the cats who are too afraid for human interaction are provided for and cared for.
The other parts of the ordinance help to hold pet owners accountable and have responsibility. Mandatory microchipping and neutering/spaying will further help to keep animals off the streets by reuniting them with their owners, and will help to solve overpopulation issues. And the other pieces of the ordinance help to reduce abandonment/cruelty/abuse.
I fully support the proposed TNR ordinance
I support this ordinance’s recognition of TNR as the preferred, humane method of managing community cats and appreciate the protections for altered and eartipped cats. These are important, compassionate steps for both animals and their caretakers.
However, I’m concerned about how enforcement may impact marginalized communities. Financial and logistical barriers to microchipping and registration could lead to citations, impoundment, or loss of pets for those already facing housing or income insecurity. Vague nuisance standards and complaint-driven enforcement can also enable biased or targeted reporting in over-policed neighborhoods.
We are in a crisis—too many homeless animals and not enough homes. Shelters are overwhelmed. We must prioritize keeping animals in the loving homes they already have.
I urge the Council to pair these new standards with accessible support: subsidized services, transparent enforcement, and protections for those caring for animals in good faith.
I am in full support of TNR and the ethical treatment of animals.
I fully support this ordinance! We as humans have a moral obligation to protect all living beings from cruelty and suffering. Passing this law is a first step in showing that we will not tolerate cruelty and abuse to animals.
I fully support the proposed TNR ordinance.
I fully support the proposed TNR ordinance.
As an active Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) non-profit organization, The Urban Cat Coalition supports the updated ordinance. Since 2017 we have provided TNR services to over 6,000 cats. We have largely shouldered the responsibility and costs for these cats, as we recognize most people do not have the financial means to do so.
A TNR ordinance provides the framework and support needed for a larger, successful and sustainable program. This ordinance will legitimize and standardize TNR practices, facilitate better collaboration and reduce shelter intake - leading to fewer cats and kittens entering shelters and ultimately reducing euthanasia rates.
Adopting a TNR ordinance is a responsible and compassionate choice for our community. It offers a humane and effective solution to manage community cat populations, improve public health, reduce nuisance behaviors, and save taxpayer money. By embracing TNR, we can create a better future for both cats and the people who live alongside them.
I support TNR
I am in full support of TNR and the ethical treatment of animals