Mayor Endorses Plan to Address Cat Overpopulation

Laurel Mayor Craig Moe has announced that he is supporting a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program in response to an overpopulation of stray cats in Laurel.

Moe’s announcement comes after months of . Options included TNR is a non‐lethal method to reduce the number of feral and stray cats, in which cats are trapped, evaluated, vaccinated and sterilized by veterinarians.

During Monday's council meeting, Moe said he understood the plan would have its critics.

"I understand this is a controversial program for some," he said. "But I think it's the right thing to do. We're going to move the city in the right direction."

City staff are working with Prince George’s County and neighboring jurisdictions to see what it would take to implement such a program in Laurel. Many of the laws that govern animals fall under the Prince George’s County code.

Still, Moe said it could takes months before the program is instituted in the city.

Once staff and a committee being formed to investigate the program have completed a review, recommendations for changes in the city code will be made to the mayor and city council. 

Moe also has asked city staff to work with the Prince George’s County Animal Management Department to create a satellite office to accept and issue pet licenses in the City of Laurel.