Evansville panel narrows ‘‘community cat’’ definition, sets 4-day hold for non‑dog/cat animals

The Evansville Animal Control and Education Commission voted on several amendments to the city animal control ordinance, approving a single definition of “community cat,” adding language to exclude community cats from the ordinance’s abandonment definition, and setting a four‑day hold period for animals not identified as dogs or cats.

The commission approved a motion to retain the second, tattoo‑friendly definition of “community cat” in the proposed ordinance and to remove the redundant definition that appeared above it. Missy Mosby, Second Ward city council member and liaison to the panel, told the commission she would circulate the final draft to city council for the ordinance’s first and second readings. "First reading, we don't do anything but read it into the minutes. And then the second is when we actually vote on it," Mosby said.

The commission also voted to clarify the ordinance's abandonment definition so it ‘‘does not…