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Bartholomew County commissioners table ordinance after public outcry over proposed removal of TNR language
Summary
Commissioners on April 6 tabled Ordinance No. 2026-04, which would have removed Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) language from county animal control rules, after about 25 public commenters—including Humane Society staff—urged keeping TNR provisions and warned of increased feral-cat populations and disease risks.
Bartholomew County commissioners on April 6 postponed action on an amendment to the county’s animal-control ordinance after extensive public comment opposing removal of Trap-Neuter-Release language.
Planning Director Jeff Bergman presented Ordinance No. 2026-04, which would amend Ordinance No. 2021-06 by increasing fines for violations, extending the period to pay fines from five to 15 days, and removing language relating to felines and Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs. The ordinance was on its second reading; the first reading passed March 30, 2026.
About 25 audience members spoke during the public-comment period. A small number supported higher fines, but the overwhelming majority objected to removing TNR language. Multiple commenters said removing TNR provisions would likely increase the feral-cat population and raise public-health concerns. “It often takes weeks of observation to make that determination in cats,” a Humane Society staff member said, urging the county to preserve TNR language to allow time for identification and humane handling.
Speakers also questioned the practical ability of Animal Control officers to reliably distinguish feral from socialized or owned cats at the time of encounter, and warned that immediate reclassification could lead to increased euthanasia or unmanaged colony growth. Commissioners thanked speakers for the input and discussed next steps.
Commissioner Larry S. Kleinhenz moved to table Ordinance No. 2026-04 to allow time for the commission to consider public feedback and possible revisions; Commissioner Carl H. Lienhoop seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The tabling means no ordinance amendment was adopted at the April 6 meeting; commissioners said they will review the comments and may return the item to a future agenda for further consideration or revision.
