ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Electa Resse, 81, is a big fan of cats. Action News was there as she started cleaning a colony behind Cracker Barrel and passing out food.
She’s come every day for eight years and has no signs of slowing down.“Let us do our thing. I’ve been doing this for so long and I don’t need anyone coming out here and telling me how to do it. How not to it,” she explained.
Resse is referring to the ongoing feral cat battle in Orange Park. There’s a huge population.
Some hate them and want them gone. Others think they have just as much right as anyone else.
“I do see them often and I think they’re fine. They’re good here. They keep the rats and the mice away,” Donna Ball said.
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A while back, the Town Council put together an ad-hoc committee to look at the cat problem. After several months of speaking with activists and consulting with First Coast No More Homeless Pets, the members are ready to present their findings.
Chairman Ron Raymond said the biggest suggestion is a trap, spay/neuter, release system -- led by volunteer teams.
“Doing nothing wasn’t an option. We had to do something,” he said.
Resse said whatever happens, she just doesn’t want to see any cats killed. She plans to continue doing what she calls her duty.
“I love cats and I’ll keep doing it until I drop,” Resse said.
The feral cat committee said there are roughly 1,200 cats around town that are running wild and don’t belong to anyone.
If you find a feral cat colony, you’re encouraged to call Animal Control.