I read the letter from Joe Barrie Durham asking for a city response to issues related to a feral cat population he observed near the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Crestbrook.

The Humane Society does not have an active feral cat program. However, it does spay and neuter feral cats for individuals. Our guess is that private citizens are trapping the cats, having them spayed or neutered, and returning them to the original location. This approach is standard among groups who wish to address feral animal problems. The expectation is that over time, the colony will die out.

Of equal or greater concern is Mr. Durham's report of being threatened by a cat feeder. He should have reported that interaction to the sheriff's office. Aspects of animal control require a balance between what's fair to the animals and to the community.

Dave Anderson

Saratoga city manager