No-kill plan for stray cats starts Oct. 1 in Lexington County

A no-kill plan for stray cats takes effect Oct. 1 in Lexington County.

County Council adopted that date to give 12 municipalities who rely on county animal services time to agree to the change.

Starting in the fall, homeless cats will be trapped, spayed or neutered, and released back in the areas they were found. Supporters say it’s more humane and effective in reducing litters than continuing to euthanize cats.

Council members approved the plan on a 5-4 vote Tuesday amid disagreement that the plan will be burdensome for residents in rural areas to catch and take cats for treatment to the Pawmetto Lifeline animal shelter in the Harbison area.

Supporters promise to review the plan after testing it for a year.