A Bay County resident told the board she has trapped dozens of feral cats on her property, described property damage and a pet illness she said resulted from feral-cat activity, and urged changes to the countys animal-control practices.

Barbara Roth Holcomb of 2724 South Pleasant Oak Court in Panama City Beach said, "I have trapped 64 cats on my property in the last 2 years," and described damage, sanitation concerns and veterinary costs she attributes to feral cats roaming the neighborhood. She urged the county to change its practice of allowing rescues and foster-related releases, calling feral cats non-adoptable and asserting they should not be returned to area streets.

Commissioner Peace responded on the record that he does not have authority to unilaterally release animals and said he would speak with Holcomb after the meeting to better understand the situation and next steps. Staff and commissioners did not adopt an immediate policy change during the meeting; the commissioner offered to follow up directly with the resident.