Costa Mesa, Calif. — A pivotal discussion on legalizing the practice of trapping, neutering, and returning feral cats to the streets of Costa Mesa was delayed this week due to a technicality, though city officials assure the community that the issue will be revisited soon. This approach, known as TNR (trap-neuter-return), has garnered support from local animal advocates who are already participating in such activities unofficially due to current legal constraints.
Mayor John Stephens, who also serves as a council liaison to Costa Mesa’s Animal Services Committee, has recently felt the push from the community to reevaluate local ordinances that currently prevent the lawful release of neutered feral cats. The advocates argue that TNR represents a compassionate strategy to manage and gradually reduce feral cat populations without resorting to euthanasia.
The topic, which had been repeatedly discussed and deferred by the Animal Services Committee since its first introduction in 2018, was set to be brought up again at a City Council meeting after a February discussion highlighted renewed interest. Unfortunately, Mayor Stephens had to remove the item from the agenda when a necessary staff report was found to be incomplete.
Despite the setback, about a dozen residents attended the meeting to advocate for the legalization of TNR. These supporters urged that the city not only formalize TNR but also develop a program that utilizes local rescuers’ expertise and data. They hoped such a program would foster cooperation with animal services and explore potential grant funding to enhance these efforts.
One poignant reminder of the issue came from a resident known only as Megan, who recounted a cat-hoarding incident on 20th Street two years ago. In response, she and others had mobilized support over several counties to trap, neuter, and release more than 20 feral cats, funding the effort with their own resources.
Becca Walls, Vice Chair of the Animal Services Committee, spoke independently at the meeting, expressing a widely-held desire within the community to collaborate legally with the city to manage the feral cat population responsibly.
In response to these unagendized public comments, council members, including Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez, Arlis Reynolds, and Loren Gameros, expressed openness to consider the matter formally. Gameros emphasized the city’s commitment to finding a feasible solution, acknowledging the potential for a successful program with some adjustments.
Mayor Stephens indicated his intent to reintroduce the discussion at an upcoming meeting, noting that the delay was due to needing to rewrite the initial staff report after discussions with the police chief. It was revealed that Priceless Pets, the nonprofit managed by Gameros’ wife and contracted by the city for pet adoptions and veterinary services, legally could undertake TNR activities, a clarification that might simplify future legal adjustments.
The city’s exploration of TNR reflects a growing acknowledgment of the need for humane, effective solutions to animal control issues that fulfill both community and ecological health needs.
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