The stray cats living at Landrum are to be removed due to health and safety concerns, according to university officials. Maintenance crew and staff members who have been caring for them were allegedly given until Feb. 27 before local animal shelters are called in.
“We know many members of the NKU community have shown genuine care for the cats living near Landrum Academic Center, and we share the goal of ensuring their well-being. At the same time, feeding and sheltering animals next to campus buildings creates health and safety concerns, including attracting wildlife, affecting those with allergies, and interfering with building systems such as HVAC equipment. The University is working with local animal-care partners to pursue humane solutions that support the cats’ well-being. We ask that no food or supplies be left in the area,” the university released in a statement to The Northerner on Friday.
This has prompted a response from the NKU community, where an online petition was created to keep the cats on campus. Organized by anthropology student Natalie Brown, the petition cites the “unethical and incredibly harmful” consequences of removing a cat colony…