Kent residents showed their concerns about feral cats and wild animals at the September Neighborhood Watch meeting yesterday at the Kent Police Department.

Kent residents showed their concerns about feral cats and wild animals at the September Neighborhood Watch meeting yesterday at the Kent Police Department.

The presentation and discussion of animal-related issues affecting the city brought in nine residents. Dana Frazier, compliance officer for parking and animal control, spoke of recent programs adopted by the city and answered questions from the public.

Kent resident Dorothy Meyer, 83, who noticed groundhogs visiting her garden and eating her vegetables, learned she has two solutions for the problem.

Frazier said simple changes can get wild animals out of residents’ properties. Some are also valid for the problems surmising with feral cats.

He told residents to protect garbage cans, composting piles and bird feeders and avoid providing food and shelter for the animals.

Another alternative for wild animals is the nuisance animal trapper program. As the name explains, the program traps wild, unwelcome animals, such as groundhogs, skunks and woodchucks, which are then taken in and “destroyed,” or killed, as required by state law, Frazier said.

The officer warned residents about this second option though.

“You’ve got to remember something about wild animals: You take one out and another one takes its place,” he said.

Frazier also talked about the new city ordinance dealing with cats that can take in six cats a month and send them to the Portage County Humane Society. After three days, if no non-treatable diseases appear, cats can be sent for adoption.

The Neighborhood Watch meetings are open to the public and held the second Tuesday of every month. Next month’s topic is still pending.

Contact Mariana Silva [email protected]