Standoff between Fort Oglethorpe city officials and animal advocates

FORT OGLETHORPE, Georgia(WDEF) – A showdown is brewing between an animal advocacy group and Fort Oglethorpe city officials over the practice of feeding feral cats.

City officials told News 12 that feeding feral cats has led to an over population of cats in the city park, but a member of the advocacy group that supports feeding the cats told News 12 they’re doing what they believe is right.

Fort Oglethorpe City Manager Ron Goulart said the controversy began when city hall started receiving numerous complaints from people who frequent the city park and walking trail.

“People would be complaining about the cats being on the trail, especially around the playground equipment. Cats would leave feces there,” said Goulart.

Through an investigation, city officials learned that people were purposely feeding feral cats despite posted signs that say feeding animals is prohibited.

“We were successful in locating some of them,” Goulart said.

One of the people located was Wally Barnes. He’s a member of the Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care. He says the organization traps feral cats, spay and neuter them and even makes sure they have immunization shots. The cats are then put up for adoption.

“Those that aren’t adopted are put back in their colonies. That’s the only homes they know,” Barnes said.

“I think they have good intentions but I think the cats will take care of themselves like the deer here. We have deer that just roam the parking lot and we’re not out here feeding them. The problem we have now is we have an over population of cats,” Goulart said.

But Barnes argues against that comment by stating the cats have been fixed.

City officials cay this is one of the feral cats that roams the city park.

“The city says the problem with the population is over populating; we’re reducing that. The next argument is that they spread disease; we’re reducing that,” Barnes said.

Barnes showed News 12 a written warning he received from the city about feeding feral cats. The question now is whether he will continue.

“Yes sir, I will continue. My health is really poor so when I’m done, others will do it as they come along. I hope they do it responsibly,” Barnes said.

Members of the Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care are expected to appear in city court this Thursday to support a woman who was cited for feeding feral cats. News 12 was told there might be some fireworks in the courtroom coming from both sides of the issue.