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 apply to community cats’’ that are released back to their colonies, a change the group identified as necessary to allow trap‑neuter‑return (TNR) and tattooing practices without subjecting caretakers to abandonment charges. Lisa (board member) moved to add verbiage excluding community cats from the abandonment provision; Linda (board member) seconded the motion and it passed.

Separately, the commission resolved an inconsistency about how long found animals are held. The draft contained multiple, conflicting hold periods; the panel agreed to amend Section 6.05.140(2) so that “all other animals shall be held for 4 days.” Legal counsel John confirmed the amendment language for the record and the commission approved the replacement of that subsection. The board kept the existing language that allows a person who finds a lost or stray animal to keep it after seven days if no one claims it; members said they did not want to create additional civil disputes by changing that finder/keeper provision.

Members discussed animals found under eight weeks of age and the shelter’s current practice to allow rescue groups to pull neonate kittens and puppies rather than impose a hold. Commissioners asked staff to add a clear line in the ordinance or a later amendment stating that animals under eight weeks may have no hold period and may be handled at the shelter’s discretion; the commission directed attorneys and staff to draft language for a subsequent amendment.

The commission took one final vote to accept the amended document prepared by legal based on the board's prior direction. Kendall (board member) moved to accept the changes; Linda seconded; the commission approved the amended ordinance package and Mosby said she would notify council when the city has scheduled the first reading.

Votes at a glance - Retain second community cat definition (remove duplicate definition): approved (motion made, second not specified; outcome recorded as approved). - Add verbiage excluding community cats from abandonment definition: mover Lisa, second Linda; approved. - Set hold for “all other animals” at 4 days (Section 6.05.140(2) replacement): mover Linda, second Lisa; approved. Legal counsel confirmed the replacement language. - Approve the amended ordinance document as provided by legal: mover Kendall, second Linda; approved.

The commission also asked staff and legal counsel to clarify cross‑references in the draft so the lost/stray finder rules remain consistent with the new hold periods and to draft separate language for neonates and related humane exceptions.

Ending The panel will forward the amended draft to city council for first reading; Mosby said she will notify commissioners of the reading date and requested that commissioners attend second reading and any council discussion about community cats.