Need some suggestions please

We have been spaying/neutering cats in our yardneighborhood for some time but recently someone has complained to the Health Department (we are in Nassau County NY) about our feeding them

First we received a letter that gave us a phone number to call. I called and was told it is ok to feed ferals, but the feeding must be done in a certain way (feedings must be supervised and no more than 30 minutes: food must be elevated 12 inches off the ground: any food not eaten must be disposed of & dishes removed), although water may be left out at all times.

We did exactly what we were told to do, but now have received another letter today saying that we may be inspected and fined for the feedings.

We have three litters of kittens (obviously we have not spayed every female in the neighborhood yet) and I am very worried. The letter also states that neighbors finding cats on their property have the right to trap and bring to animal control (which is a death sentence).

I was planning to call again on Monday morning to ask what we are supposed to be doing that we have not done. Is that the right strategy? Should I ask who has been complaining? We do the feeding in a back yard that is not visable from the street, so it must be a direct neighbor or the sanitation department (we used to have our garbage cans back there but have moved them streetside).

I am sure no one cares that we feed them, but they are probably upset that they wander through their yards and may use their flower beds as a litter box.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I am absolutely terrified that these animals may be trapped and removed. I am also terrified that our indoor cats may be at risk in some way.

Many of these cats could be tamed and placed in homes, but my husband has said we cannot bring another cat in the house. The kittens are mostly handle-able, although some are still fearful.

Please...any thoughts? Is there anyone in my area with experience in dealing with the department?

I'd also make sure to try and talk, one-on-one and respectfully, with the neighbors and the sanitation people.

The SUREST way to gain support for cats and to defuse complaints, is to identify the reason for the complaints and show that you want to work in community with your neighbors/community. And when you have a well-managed colony, you are on really excellent footing to approach the neighbors. As you said, you've done what you're being instructed to do, and you are probably more than willing to explain how the roaming cats can be deterred from flower beds, how they are actually healthier and safer than some of the other creatures who visit those flower beds, and so on.

I would work on making allies out of the neighbors, because if they know better, they won't resort to bringing in outside authorities.

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