Anderson council advances community cat ordinance after weeks of debate; tabling motion fails

ANDERSON, Ind. — The Anderson Common Council approved Ordinance 30-25 on its first reading on Oct. 9, advancing a proposed community cat program that would authorize a trap-neuter-return (TNR) approach to managing free-roaming cats in the city.

The measure, introduced as Ordinance 30-25, would amend Section 91.69 (mistreatment of animals) by adding a new Section 91.69.0.5 to establish a community cat program and to enable local animal-welfare groups to trap, sterilize and return feral cats. Councilor Greg Graham introduced the ordinance and spoke at length as sponsor.

Council members and the public debated the measure for roughly an hour and a half. The discussion included presentations by local animal-welfare groups and warnings from the city attorney about legal and drafting problems in the current text.

Why it matters: Proponents say TNR is a humane, cost-effective way to reduce feral-cat populations and shelter intake. Opponents and the city attorney raised concerns that the ordinance, as drafted, contains ambiguous definitions and potential liability that could expose the city if not tightened.

What happened at the meeting

- Motion to table: Councilor Turner moved to table Ordinance 30-25 until the next meeting. The motion carried a roll call vote of no: Turner, Culp, Landers, Graham and Newman; yes: Harless, Dixon, Freeman and President Stevenson. The tabling motion failed 4–5.

- First-reading approval: Council conducted a roll-call vote on Ordinance 30-25 for its first reading. The roll call as read in the meeting was: Councilor Turner — yes; Councilor Harless — yes;…