And another note about ordinance revisions and the question about prohibiting feeding of cats outside... Ordinance and laws often have good intentions and part of that intention is changing a behavior or accomplishing a goal or different pathway. Prohibiting the feeding of cats outside is typically put in an ordinance since there are 'too many cats and they are a nuisance'. But prohibiting feeding has absolutely no effect on those issues and will certainly not change behavior. You cannot codify the kindness out of people and they will still sneak food to cats. The answer is to address the foundational issue which is unchecked reproduction and make sure there is targeted strategic spay/neuter.
This similar mistake is made with stray holds for cats. Nationally less than 2% of cats are reunited through a shelter. A stray hold period, higher or lower, does not change that so there should be no mandatory stray hold for cats (unfortunately a few states have cat stray holds that you cannot get around at the moment but the visually healthy cats should bypass the shelter anyway). The answer is that visually healthy cats should stay where they are (and ideally be spayed or neutered) so shelter space is reserved for the sick, injured, unsafe or enforcement cases.
------------------------------
Sara Pizano
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 06-29-2026 12:19 PM
From: Sara Pizano
Subject: Community Conversations - 06/29/2026 - How We Got Here
Thanks for joining us today to hear the amazing story about the Danville-Boyle Humane Society in Kentucky! Attached you will find the powerpoint and the reference to Dr. Hurley and Levy's 2022 article with the pie chart.
And I just published this resource that is free #ThankstoMaddie!! You will find the information about ordinance revision recommendations and much more in The Go-To Guide for Animal Services: https://www.teamshelterusa.com/guide/.
All the best,
------------------------------
Sara Pizano
------------------------------