Cat Concerns in Charlotte Neighborhood

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by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: Jun 27, 2011 at 11:03 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 27, 2011 at 11:03 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Animal control started getting complaints two years ago about a woman who lives in Ballantyne's Southgate Commons, a town home community.  She keeps numerous cats as pets.

One neighbor, who doesn't want to be identified, says the smell of cat urine and feces can reach unbearable levels.  The neighbor says, "When people are at their mailbox, they can smell it, it's pretty nauseating."

Animal control records show that during the officer's first visit in July of 2009, they could smell cat urine and feces from outside the home.  CMPD Animal Control Enforcement Supervisor Tracey Kirchhofer says, "There is more than just an animal issue here, it goes deeper so we're just trying to work through it."

Kirchhofer says there is no limit to the number of indoor cats one person can have in Mecklenburg County.  Animal control says the woman had 30 cats at one point and, as of Saturday, is now down to these 13.  Kirchhofer says, "All have had rabies shots except for one, who has an appointment next week."

Kirchhofer says unless there is a threat to human health, her department will work with animal owners for as long as it takes to reach a solution.  She says, "It does work and it just takes some time."

The cat owner did not want to speak on camera, but tells FOX Charlotte that she  is being "harassed" by her neighbors because she is Jewish.  She says she's contacted several Jewish organizations in Charlotte but hasn't gotten any reply.

The neighborhood's Board of Directors tells us this issue is beyond their legal scope.  They say "concerned parties could sign a petition and turn it into (City of Charlotte) code enforcement for resolution."

Neighbors say they want an outcome that makes everyone happy, one telling us, "I would like for her to be able to get help and for the cats to be safe and to minimize the amount of cats in the area."

Records show a code enforcement officer has been out to the home recently.  We're told complaints about alleged animal hoarding are up in Charlotte. 

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