By Sam Conner Following a report on activities in the Winslow Animal Control Facility made to the city council Feb. 9, Animal Control Officer Stratton Salyers spent much time explaining a problem with feral cats that he is seeking to solve. The city has had large groups of feral cats in some areas. He noted that some residents of those areas have been feeding the feral cats to the extent that it has become a bothersome expense and has attracted more feral cats. They also eat the food of other pets in the area. The city has been picking up feral cats and neutering them, then returning them to the area. This may diminish the number of feral cats over time, but returning them to the area leaves a large number of cats where some residents see them as a problem. Salyers said that he has received information from Maricopa County about its efforts to solve a similar problem. There may be some changes later because of this information. In his regular report Salyers noted that in November 2015 the facility started with 13 cats and ended with 17, one was adopted and one released. There were 31 dogs at the start of the month and 26 at the end. One was returned, five were adopted and two returned to the owner. Two were euthanized, including one dog that was aggressive and one that was injured. In December 2015, the facility started with 16 cats and ended with 12. Four were adopted. The month started with 33 dogs and ended with 22, 10 were adopted, three were transferred and two were fostered out. None were euthanized. In January 2016, there were 14 cats at the beginning of the month and 17 at the end. One was released and two were fostered out. The month started with 36 dogs and ended with 28. Three were adopted, two were returned to the owner, 10 were transferred and four were fostered out. One was euthanized for injuries. In answer to a question from a councilman, Salyers said that it appears that about 70 percent of the dogs picked up in Winslow are not from the city. There was some speculation whether they were abandoned or lost by travelers passing through.