The town of Gilbert has issued an ordinance to prevent community members from feeding stray cats on public property. But some people think there are better ways to deal with the cat population.

Although Gilbert community members cannot feed cats in public areas, they can still feed them on their own property. Stephanie Nichols-Young with the Animal Defense League of Arizona said a process known as Trap Neuter Return, or TNR, will decrease the outdoor cat population over time more effectively.

“Cats are really resourceful. They can find food and it may be trash, it may be people are feeding their pets, whether it's dogs or cats and they leave the food out and they cats get it just you know all different ways,” she said.

Nichols-Young suggests that community members feed outdoor cats on a schedule rather than leaving food out for 24 hours. Once the outdoor cats are on a schedule, they can easily be captured, neutered and returned.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to correct Stephanie Nichols-Young's affiliation.