MOULTRIE — Over the past couple of years the Moultrie Observer’s Rants and Raves column has seen numerous complaints and suggestions about stray dogs and cats. Just this past week someone complained that a mama dog and her puppies were dropped off on his property. Similar complaints echo that occurrence.

It’s not uncommon to see unattended dogs wandering around town, sometimes in groups. And one can drive through town at night and see feral cats scampering about. Parking lots behind restaurants often harbor a gathering of felines.

These issues came up at a recent City Council meeting, and research has begun on how to deal with this issue.

Council has toyed with the idea of a law that would fine anyone caught feeding feral cats. How to word such an ordinance and how to enforce it are factors still being explored by city staff.

City Manager Pete Dillard said many people feel compassionate to feed feral cats which only increases the problem.

“They keep coming back and they keep having kittens,” Dillard said.

Dillard said the matter has been discussed with the Humane Society here and they suggested trapping the cats, neutering them and then releasing them.

“That won’t address the immediate problem of numerous cats, but it might help in the long run,” said Dillard.

Even if an ordinance would fine someone for feeding feral cats, Dillard agreed it would be hard to enforce.

As for stray dogs, Dillard said he is currently looking at an ordinance from Denver, Col., that provides that a dog owner must have his dog neutered or have a breeder’s license.

“I know that would be controversial,” he said, but added something must be done looking at the long range issue.

The stray and feral animal situation keeps getting worse, said Dillard. And it keeps getting more expensive.

“The city gives $100,000 a year to the animal shelter, and the county contributes heavily as well. Also, donors give funds,” he said.

Dillard pointed out that stray dogs can pose health issues as well as sometimes being a physical danger to the public.

Dillard said no decisions have been made, but noted that the Humane Society is picking up an average of 300 dogs a month, and the animal shelter stays full. And that doesn’t account for the many animals that don’t get picked up.