Proposed Citywide Cat Program Environmental Review Process

The City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering (BOE) is beginning the environmental review process for the proposed Citywide Cat Program, which would be administered by the City’s Department of Animal Services. The proposed Project focuses on public education and policy implementation in the City of Los Angeles. It does not include any physical construction of buildings or structures.  The City has determined that an environmental impact report (EIR) is required. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) is available for public review and comment.

Proposed Project: Key components of the proposed Project include:

• Engaging in or providing funding for the spaying or neutering of free-roaming cats (feral or stray) to be returned where they are from.
• Use of City facilities to provide educational programming on any animal related topic, including free-roaming cats.
• Implementation of a Modified Trap, Neuter, Return (“Modified TNR”) program, which includes establishing collaborative relationships with organizations engaged in TNR, utilizing Animal Services Centers for public outreach and training, guidance on how to address resident  complaints regarding free-roaming cats, and waiving cat trap rental
• Adopting changes to the City administrative and municipal codes related to accessing funds from the City’s Animal Sterilization Fund to spay/neuter free-roaming cats; and allowing an increase in the currently permitted number of cats per household from three to five with certain restrictions.

A more complete description can be found on the BOE website: https://eng.lacity.org/citywide-cat-program-e1907610.

Public Comment Period:  The public comment period began on August 31, 2017 and will conclude on October 30, 2017. Environmental documentation related to the proposed Citywide Cat Program can be found on the BOE website at: https://eng.lacity.org/citywide-cat-program-e1907610.

Scoping Meetings: Public scoping meetings will be held to receive input on the scope and content of the Draft EIR. The meetings will be held using an open house format to share information regarding the proposed Project and the environmental review process and to receive written comments. City staff and environmental consultants will be available, but no formal presentation is scheduled. You may stop by at any time during the meeting to view materials, ask questions, and provide written comments. The City encourages all interested individuals and organizations to attend one of the meetings. Written comments may be submitted, but there will be no verbal comments or public testimony taken.

The next scoping meetings will occur:

• Tuesday, October 17, 11:00 m.–1:00 p.m.
  South LA, Chesterfield Square Shelter, 1850 W. 60th St., Los Angeles, CA 90047
• Monday, October 23, 5:30 m.–7:30 p.m.
  Ramona Hall Community Center, 4580 N. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Comments

The City requests your written comments on the scope and contents of the EIR, including project alternatives and any necessary mitigation measures to reduce potential environmental effects from the proposed Project. You must submit your comments by October 30, 2017. Please include the name, telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address of a person to contact if we have any questions regarding your comment.

Comments will be accepted:

• By email to Jan.Green.Rebstock@lacity.org (please include “Cat Program” in the subject line)

Dr. Jan Green Rebstock
City of Los Angeles, Public Works Bureau of Engineering, EMG
1149 S. Broadway, 6th Floor, MS 939
Los Angeles, CA 90015

• Comment cards will also be accepted at the public scoping meetings.

If you have any questions about the environmental review process for the proposed Project, please contact Dr. Jan Green Rebstock at 213.485.5761.