Your Donations Make a Difference

When most people think of a pet food pantry, they picture families struggling to feed their own pets. While we certainly help families in need, they're actually not the majority of the people who come to our pantry.

What many people don't realize is that much of the food we distribute goes to the dedicated individuals who care for Delaware County's outdoor stray and feral cats. These dedicated people know that these cats didn't choose to be homeless. They were dumped, abandoned, left behind when someone moved, or simply put outside and never allowed back in. The reality is, these cats exist because people failed them—not because they chose this life. The overpopulation of stray pets is not an animal problem. It's a people problem.

The people feeding them are volunteers, rescuers, and trappers who spend countless hours—and often their own money—making sure these cats don't go hungry while working to have them spayed, neutered, and receive the veterinary care they need.

Every bag of food, every can of food, and every donation helps support those efforts. It helps feed cats that have no one else looking out for them, supports the people doing the hard work on the front lines, and helps reduce the stray population through prevention instead of waiting until there's a crisis.

 

A Community Crisis Deserves Official Action - Joyner's Furr-eedom Rescue Tries to Help

Her name is Amanda and her rescue is called Joyner’s Furr-eedom Rescue. Amanda recently received a Pennsylvania stray-hold license, which means she is legally allowed to take in stray animals.

A lot of people still don’t realize that Delaware County has no SPCA, and that Providence Animal Center, a well-run organization, is not a stray intake facility — they only accept owner surrenders. Meanwhile, the stray animal over-population crisis continues to grow, especially in Chester City.

Right now, Amanda is willing to step up and help Chester City at no charge and be part of the solution. But this cannot happen without leadership, cooperation, and elected officials willing to work with the people trying to make a difference.

Mayor Stefan Roots, I don’t know if you remember, but over a year ago I met you while you were sitting your SUV (if I remember correctly) in the parking lot of Chester City Hall. I noticed you were in the Mayor’s assigned parking spot so I assumed you were the mayor. I introduced myself and explained our mission. I handed you a flyer about our mission. You said you would pass it on to the right person. I was appreciative. But I never heard anything more; not from you, not from anyone in Chester.

I truly hoped you would become part of the solution. Instead, the situation has continued to get worse.

Children are at risk. Adults are at risk. Animals are suffering every single day. Police officers are being put in heartbreaking situations where they are forced to shoot dogs. That should never be considered normal. There’s also talk about dog fighting rings - hearsay but not far-fetched. Are you aware?

After having a good conversation with Amanda, we came to the conclusion that we want to work together — along with Jules Clevenger and anyone else willing to help — to build an Animal Welfare Center for Delaware County. The pieces are starting to come together, but one major thing is still missing: a building.

Amanda is offering help. The question is whether Mayor Roots and elected leaders are finally willing to accept it before this crisis grows even worse.

Partial List of Delaware County Stray Cat Feeding Ordinances

 

Partial List of Stray Cat Feeding Ordinances & Policies in Delco

It's important to know that ordinances can vary by township/borough within Delaware County. Always consult your local municipal code or animal control office for the most accurate and current regulations.

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🐱 1. Stray Cats and Animal Control Services

Most municipalities in Delaware County, Pennsylvania rely on local animal control officers to respond to issues with stray animals, but enforcement varies by township. In some areas, you must call the township offices to report stray cats or request an animal control service visit.

🐾 2. Definitions & Regulations on Feral/Stray Cats

Some local codes (e.g., Middletown Township’s animal ordinance) define terms like feral cat and include rules about trapping, keeping, or feeding stray and feral cats. These ordinances also often establish criteria for how stray or feral cats are managed and can include provisions such as required humane handling and Trap-Neuter-Return protocols.

🐾 3. Feeding & Nuisance Rules

Local ordinances in parts of the county may prohibit feeding stray or feral cats in ways that create a nuisance or affect neighboring properties. In those cases, fines can be assessed or enforcement action can be taken against persons who harbor or feed stray cats if it becomes a public nuisance.

🛠 4. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Practices

While there has been no countywide animal control, there are some individuals and rescues that provide humane Trap-Neuter-Return programs which the many municipalities allow. TNR programs trap free-roaming cats, have them spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and then return them. This helps manage the population humanely and may be referenced in local ordinances or policies.

🏙️ 5. Contact Local Animal Control

For issues with stray or feral cats, the first step in many Delaware County municipalities is to contact your township animal control officer or municipal office or view this list. They can advise on local ordinances, proper handling, and next steps.

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💡 Tip: Ordinances often differ between townships (e.g., Middletown, Upper Darby, Springfield), so always check your specific municipal code or animal control department for exact wording and enforcement details.