Shelters and volunteers raise concerns about animal-control handling of TNR and veterinary care

Lillian Rookentisto, director of Fried's Cat Shelter, said her organization has worked with Michigan City Animal Control on trap-neuter-return (TNR) for more than 300 city felines since 2025 but described operational problems: traps left unattended, wet blankets on traps, and inconsistent case handling. She said volunteers and veterinary teams put in extra effort and that animal-control staffing and funding for veterinary care should be improved.

Johanna Humbert, executive director of Michiana Humane Society, said an animal-control dog had been kept in kennel for four months and developed a urinary infection; she urged additional funding for veterinary care, staff training in modern handling, and a more humane system for animals kept by the city.

Council requested written documentation of concerns and suggested animal-control board follow-up; commenters said they would provide materials to the clerk.