While it may seem natural for some people to give a stray animal food, it might not be such a good idea. In fact, it could be illegal.

In Greenville, it's a city ordinance violation to feed a stray animal. Despite animal advocates and other volunteers efforts to try and save the many stray or feral cats in the community, Animal Protective Services officers say it's best to just let them do their job.

The owner at Doc's Guns and Pawn Shop on Memorial Drive say the stray cats have been around for quite some time.

City of Greenville Animal Protective Services Officer Carmen Nichols says they came out to investigate after receiving a complaint of cats in the area being a nuisance.

"Part of that complaint was that someone was coming in the early morning hours on a daily basis and feeding these cats and causing them to congregate in this area," Nichols says.

That someone being Adrienne Harrington.

"They did a sting operation with the bright lights in the pre-dawn hours and it was as if she was doing criminal activity and her only crime was compassion," says Marion Blackburn, a former city council member and a fellow animal advocate. She says Harrington was just trying to save the animals' lives.

"She had been providing medication for the little kittens to make sure they didn't get sick, and she was also working with them so they would get to know her, so that when the time came, they could be appropriately removed and homes could be found for them," Blackburn goes on to say.

Nichols says in Greenville, it's a city ordinance violation to feed stray animals.

That's why Harrington received four civil citations and was told to stop interacting with these animals.

While Blackburn is worried about the fate of those cats, Nichols says, "Every time I go on a call, I treat every animal like it belongs to me. I want the best for that animal and every effort that I make, I want it to be for that animal. I will be the voice of that animal."

Blackburn is requesting a meeting with city officials to discuss her ideas on how to improve and update the Animal Protective Services division.

Those ideas include a possible merger with the Pitt County Animal Services division, as well creating a partnership with animal advocates in the community.

Nichols says she can't stress enough the importance of getting your pet spayed or neutered to help in this over-population problem.

She also says it's best to just give them a call at Animal Protective Services if you do have a stray animal on your property for an extended period of time.