JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- Call it a feline frenzy! On Fairway Drive...cats are everywhere. Our cameras caught dozens lounging around this property, hanging out in driveways...even lurking across the street.
Neighbors are fed up.
"We're down to the problem of fleas and feces and filth," Judy Davis said.
Arlene Pinaud says her breaking point came recently...when the feral cats left their mark in her yard.
"One day I really became upset with my 2 year-old granddaughter when she came running into me with feces on her she's and all over her legs. Now I have to tell them they can't play in the yard," she said.
urns out, Barbara Railey lives in this home...and started feeding stray cats years ago. She came out while we were shooting video.
"Keep the cats from starving. That's all. If I could find somewhere to put them, I truly would," she explained.
We took homeowners concerns to Animal Control and Protective Services.
According to records it investigated 7 complaints at Railey's home in 2012, and at least two each year since 2006.
Chief Scott Trebatoski tells us he's personally gone out there himself. Unless workers see loads of cats for themselves or get a sworn affidavit from a neighbor...they're hands are tied.
"One of the problem we've had is getting in contact with the person to one: educate them and two: cite them if they don't comply," he said.
ACPS says it's their job to help keep the peace in situations like this. They're hoping Railey will listen to their appeal.
"Please contact us. We can help you. We can help you get animals sterilized, animals relocated. We can resolve this issue...but you need to talk to us," Trebatoski continued.
If you have a feral cat problem in your neighborhood, the City of Jacksonville can help. Call 904-630-CITY to ask for a trap.
