The purpose of this article is to provide reasonable regulations for the control, care, and maintenance of cats in the Town of Millville. It is recognized by the Board of Selectmen, as well as the Animal Control Department, that cats are generally excellent pets but they can become a nuisance without proper care. This article is not intended to impair, restrict, or otherwise interfere with the relationship that exists between owners and their pets. Cat owners are strongly advised to ensure the safety of their pets. It is quite easy for a cat to be designated "feral."
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CAT
Any animal of the feline species.
FERAL CAT
Any cat existing in an untamed state, afraid, wild, and unable to be restrained.
OWNER/KEEPER
Any person who has taken charge in the care of any cat.
STRAY CAT
Any cat having no known owner or keeper.
UNTAMED STATE
Afraid, timid, wild, not domesticated, uncontrollable, or unable to be restrained.
All cat owners shall vaccinate their cats in compliance with MGL c. 140, § 145B or be subject to a fine of $100.
Any person filing a complaint with the Animal Control Department regarding feral cats shall identify the property upon which there are feral cats and procure from the property owner a written statement that there exists a feral cat problem on the property and that the owner gives permission to the Town to enter upon said property to trap and remove said cats.
A. 
If the Animal Control Department decides to trap feral cats, officers shall post "intent to trap" notices for a period of five days prior to the trapping, notifying the public of the location, date and time of trapping. Said notices shall be posted at the following locations:
(1) 
Municipal Center.
(2) 
Post office.
(3) 
Local cable channel or newspaper.
(4) 
Owner's property.
B. 
The Animal Control Department shall erect upon the owner's property a sign, clearly visible to the public, to read as follows:
NOTICE
TOWN OF MILLVILLE ANIMAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT
TRAPPING ON THIS PROPERTY IS IN EFFECT
The Animal Control Department shall commence trapping after notice has been posted in accordance with § 40-17A and it has received written authorization from the property owner, and in accordance with MGL c. 131, §§ 79 and 80. At this time, owners are strongly advised to take every precaution to protect their pets, including their household cats, from being trapped. Owners are advised to keep a collar or harness on their cats to ensure their pet will not be mistaken as a feral cat and trapped. Any feral cat trapped will be destroyed in a humane manner. Any cat trapped that is not defined as a feral cat shall be released.