Group trying to help feral cats may face charges from state police

A cat controversy in Fayette County could lead to criminal charges against a group trying to help the cats. According to the Fayette County humane officer, it's possible that charges could also come against the leadership of the business park, who destroyed makeshift shelters built for the felines. “We were notified by state police that we had one week to stop feeding and then remove the shelters," said Margaret Whyel. Whyel is part of a group of volunteers who say they have been feeding, trapping, vaccinating and neutering the cats for ten years. They say their efforts have helped to humane reduce the cat population in the park. But now that the shelters are destroyed and they have been ordered to stay away from the business park, there is concern that the cats will perish. "You think the cats are going to either starve or freeze to death now?" asked reporter Beau Berman. “Probably both," Whyel said. The FayPenn Economic Development Council runs the business park. FayPenn executive director Bob Shark declined Pittsburgh' Action News 4's request for an on-camera interview about the situation. He also declined to answer any questions on the record. Shark did email a one line statement to WTAE. "I cannot comment on pending legal action that Fay-Penn is taking," Shark wrote.

A cat controversy in Fayette County could lead to criminal charges against a group trying to help the cats.

According to the Fayette County humane officer, it's possible that charges could also come against the leadership of the business park, who destroyed makeshift shelters built for the felines.


“We were notified by state police that we had one week to stop feeding and then remove the shelters," said Margaret Whyel.

Whyel is part of a group of volunteers who say they have been feeding, trapping, vaccinating and neutering the cats for ten years. They say their efforts have helped to humane reduce the cat population in the park. But now that the shelters are destroyed and they have been ordered to stay away from the business park, there is concern that the cats will perish.

"You think the cats are going to either starve or freeze to death now?" asked reporter Beau Berman.

“Probably both," Whyel said.

The FayPenn Economic Development Council runs the business park. FayPenn executive director Bob Shark declined Pittsburgh' Action News 4's request for an on-camera interview about the situation. He also declined to answer any questions on the record. Shark did email a one line statement to WTAE.

"I cannot comment on pending legal action that Fay-Penn is taking," Shark wrote.