Seaside Heights has between 300 and 600 feral cats
SEASIDE HEIGHTS -- The days of hundreds of feral cats wandering around Seaside Heights may be numbered.
While cat colonies will be allowed to remain, an ordinance passed unanimously Wednesday will allow animal control officers to round up strays and bring them to shelters, according to News 12 New Jersey.
Cat activists fear felines that land in a shelter will end up being euthanized, according to reports.
Borough officials say Seaside has a feral cat population has grown to between 300 and 600. Residents have complained that cats have urinated and defecated on public and private property and caused damage.
Previously, the borough allowed an animal welfare organization to trap, neuter and release the cats, 6ABC.com reported.
More than 15,000 people signed an petition expressing objecting to the ordinance, according app.com.
Mayor Anthony Vaz said he has received thousands of emails from angry cat lovers as well as threats against him and his family, according to APP.com. He said no cats will be euthanized and that so-called "caregivers" of the colonies would have to register with the borough and assume liability for the cats.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.