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First reading held for ordinance revising animal regulations; feral cats classified as wild
Summary
On first reading, the county presented Ordinance No. 2026-04 to amend animal-keeping rules: raising fines, extending payment deadline to 15 days, and removing feline-specific language by classifying feral cats as wild animals; second reading set for April 6, 2026.
The Bartholomew County Commissioners held the First Reading of Ordinance No. 2026-04 on March 30, which would amend the county's animal-keeping ordinance (Ordinance No. 2021-06). Key changes presented include increased fines for violations, extending the deadline to pay fines from five days to fifteen days, and removing language specific to felines by classifying feral cats as wild animals.
Commissioner London opened the floor for public comment and closed it after no speakers came forward. The ordinance requires advertising after passage twice, seven days apart; if adopted it would become effective immediately after the second advertisement, expected April 15, 2026. The Second Reading is scheduled for April 6, 2026. Commissioner Kleinhenz moved to approve the First Reading as presented; Commissioner Lienhoop seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The First Reading is procedural and does not enact the ordinance; the commission will revisit the measure at the April 6 meeting for the Second Reading and potential final adoption.
