GROTON, Conn. (AP) — Feral cats are stalking a submarine base in Connecticut, and officials say anyone caught feeding the felines will face disciplinary action.

The Day reports officials at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton have stepped up enforcement of a policy to not feed feral animals. Sailors who disobey could face a range of actions as outlined by the U.S. Code of Military Justice. Civilian workers also could be punished.

Base spokesman Chris Zendan says feral cats pose a public health threat and are also a risk to the base’s operation.

Base officials previously reached out to local animal shelters and convened a “feral cat summit” last year to research solutions.

The cats have been spotted near where submarines are docked and there are many storage facilities.