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West Des Moines council approves first reading of animal-control change after heated public comment
Summary
The West Des Moines City Council approved the first reading of an amendment to the city’s animal-control ordinance that clarifies trap-neuter-return (TNR) procedures and lengthens holding times for certain cats. The change drew sustained public comment from Furry Friends and a multi-question exchange with Public Services Director Gary Rankin.
The West Des Moines City Council approved the first reading of an amendment to Title 5, Police Regulations, Chapter 3 (Animal Control) on April 7, 2025, after a lengthy public comment period that focused on how the city will treat feral and owned cats.
The amendment clarifies the city’s TNR (trap-neuter-return) process and changes the stray-hold timeline for cats the city deems “tame” or potentially owned. Under the policy described at the meeting, cats identified as unowned and feral would continue to be held for four days; cats showing signs of ownership would be held seven days; tamed or adoptable cats could be held up to 14 days, after which the city would alter (spay/neuter) animals and return community (feral) cats to the location where they were found if no owner reclaimed them.
The change matters, animal-welfare advocates said, because it alters the practical outcomes for socialized, adoptable cats as…
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