Campaign on to save park cats

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The clutter of stray cats that have claimed Sparkman Park as their home for more than 15 years need a new home. And they need one in a hurry, according to Michelle Kelsoe, one of their five or six voluntary caretakers.
Kelsoe said she welcomes phones calls at 345-3521 from anyone who is willing to help.
Carolyn Martin said she and her late husband Bobby Martin started feeding stray cats in the park in 1989 and the practice has been continued on a regular basis with the help of four or five other families.
Parks and Recreation Director Frank Miller said the cats have co-existed in harmony for the most part with people who frequent the park.
Mayor Tankersley said he received a notice from the Morgan County Health Department early last week requesting action to remove the cats from the park.
Subsequently, the city posted two notices in the park, one stating that under the order of the health department all cats will be removed and the other warning the public not to feed the animals. Plans were made to have the city’s animal control officer trap the cats last weekend and turn them over to the Morgan County. Shelters being used by the cats were also to be removed.
Those plans changed on Monday after the Mayor received phone calls and emails from residents wanting to save the cats.