The mayor of Fort Saskatchewan issued an apology on Thursday for her earlier comments regarding the management of feral cats. In a written statement, Mayor Gale Katchur expressed regret, saying, "I sincerely apologize for the remarks and any hurt they may have caused. As the mayor, I am committed to representing our community’s values of humane and thoughtful approaches to all issues, including animal management. I recognize that my previous comments did not uphold this standard.
Katchur's remarks, made during a committee meeting earlier in the week, sparked controversy during a discussion about feral cats. She suggested that individuals might handle feral cats in a manner reminiscent of old farming practices, saying, “It might be cruel to say, but it would be interesting if people could deal with them themselves. In the past, if there were cats, you might throw them in a bag and take them to the river.” Following her comments, she added, “I hope that doesn't get captured anywhere,” aware that city meetings are recorded for public viewing on YouTube.
The mayor's statements came as city staff presented a proposal to relocate feral cats to rural areas. A report highlighted that in 2023, Fort Saskatchewan received 66 complaints about cats, with numbers showing a decline compared to 2022. Moving forward, Katchur committed to ensuring that her comments and the city’s approach to managing animal populations align with the community’s dedication to humane and responsible practices.
In a recent presentation, the city outlined its definitions for feral and stray cats. A feral cat is described as one that is wild or born in the wild, typically aggressive and difficult to capture. In contrast, a cat at large is characterized as being socialized to humans but may be lost or abandoned.
Following these remarks, the Alberta SPCA and Edmonton Humane Society released a joint statement condemning Mayor Katchur's comments. Leanne Niblock, executive director of the Alberta SPCA, expressed disappointment, stating, "While we appreciate the community's discussions on responsible pet ownership, it is disheartening that anyone, especially a community leader, would make such insensitive remarks about animal treatment." Liza Sunley, CEO of the Edmonton Humane Society, emphasized the importance of humane alternatives like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for managing feral cat populations. She also noted, "If euthanasia is necessary, it should always be performed humanely by veterinary professionals." Both organizations warned that actions resembling those discussed could lead to charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Animal Protection Act.
During the meeting, committee member Coun. Brian Kelly voiced his disagreement with the city's definition of feral cats, asserting that any outdoor cat is feral if it is not contained in a home or on a leash. He firmly stated, "If they're not where they belong, they act feral—period.
Additionally, city staff presented a second option for dealing with feral cats: holding them for 72 hours before euthanizing them. Peace officer Ben Sharpe highlighted the risks this poses, mentioning both physical dangers to officers and psychological stress. Kelly expressed his support for the euthanasia option, indicating a more drastic approach to the issue.
To claim we don't have an issue is absurd. And to imply that we're avoiding action to spare feelings is equally ridiculous," he stated. "If a staff member is facing psychological distress, then find someone else for the job. If you're struggling to recruit, I'm more than willing to help out—just give me a call.
In the end, the committee requested that city administration prepare a report on the matter to present to the council in October. Fort Saskatchewan is located approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Edmonton.
In conclusion, the committee's discussion highlights the urgent need for a proactive approach to the feral cat situation in Fort Saskatchewan. By calling for a comprehensive report, city officials aim to address community concerns and explore effective solutions. The willingness of committee members to engage directly in the process underscores a commitment to responsible animal management while ensuring that the psychological well-being of staff is also considered. As the city prepares for the upcoming council meeting, it remains essential to balance compassion for animals with the need for practical and humane strategies.