Concerns over a proposed "Responsible Pet Ownership" ordinance prompted a small army of cat lovers to visit Hanover Township Supervisors at their Feb. 26 meeting. About 10 area residents, worried that stray dogs and feral cats would be systematically exterminated, were there to seek clemency. But as they were to learn, the ordinance was actually aimed at irresponsible people, not pets.

Liz Jones, of the Sanctuary of Haafsville, and Martha Kahan, of No Nonsense Neutering, told supervisors they'd like to implement a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program for feral cats at no cost to the township. In addition to neutering the cats, they are vaccinated against rabies.

"We'll raise the money," Kahan promised. "We'll write the grants." She told supervisors that at her East Allentown facility, she's neutered over 20,000 feral cats in the last five years.

Supervisors welcomed the news.

They have no intention of eradicating the township's feral cat population, even though they get numerous complaints weekly. Supervisor John Diacogiannis told Jones and Kahal that the ordinance is aimed at problem residents, like those with 30 feral cats in their backyard.

"We're not going to go after people who are doing it right," he explained.

Supervisors encouraged Jones and Kalal to educate the public concerning the benefits of TNR, which will gradually reduces a feral cat population. The Feral Cat Coalition estimates there are 60 million feral cats in the United States.

Township Manager Jay Finnigan explained the township simply lacks the resources to target strays. In his six years as manager, he can recall only one incident in which the township ever made an effort to remove a cat from someone's home. A home health care worker brought a stray cat into a residence, and the cat began attacking him. The township's Animal Control officer responded, but the cat began attacking him, too. This continued until a third person opened the door, and the cat bolted.

Finnigan also complained that the township has difficulties catching stray dogs because "we have a very slow Animal Control fficer."

It is required by state law to capture stray dogs running at large. According to Finnigan, this has been no problem.

"We've been able to place every single dog we've picked up in the last two years," the manager assured these animal lovers. "But I'm running out of employees."

So who is Hanover's slow Animal Control officer?

Public Works Director Vince Milite declined to reveal that information.

"I'm not telling you," he said. But as the meeting wore on, it soon became evident - it's Milite.

While he attempted to resign his post at the end of the meeting, the supervisors refused to let him go.