Trap-Neuter-Return

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The Animal Control and Animal Shelter Ordinance number 15-06 was adopted On May 19, 2015, and amended by Ordinance number 2017-17 which was adopted on October 3, 2017.

The following is the Trap-Neuter-Return Guidelines section of the Ordinance.

(Scroll down to download the complete Animal Control Ordinance.)

6.04.130 Trap-Neuter Return Guidelines

1. The Porter County Animal Control division or its designee, in order to encourage the stabilization of the free-roaming cat population, otherwise known as feral cats, and may:

(A) Trap any free-roaming cat in a humane manner;

(B) Have the cat surgically sterilized, ear-tipped, and vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian; and

(C) Release the cat to the Porter County Animal Shelter for adoption or other disposition in accordance with law, or to a colony caretaker who will maintain the cat as part of a managed colony of free-roaming cats.

(D) The Porter County Animal Control may impound free-roaming cats in violation of this chapter and dispose of the cats in accordance with the Porter County Animal Shelter guidelines.. Any free-roaming cat or feral cat, impounded by the Porter County Animal Control that bears an appropriate ear-tipping indicating it belongs to a managed colony may, at the discretion of the Porter County Animal Control, be returned to its managed colony unless illness or injury present an imminent danger to public health or safety.

Download Complete Ordinance

CLICK HERE To Download Complete Animal Control Ordinance
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Porter County Animal Control serves all of Porter County EXCEPT FOR THE CITY OF PORTAGE. All information contained in this section of the website is only applicable to the areas served by Porter County Animal Control. If you live in the City of Portage, you will need to contact them directly at (219) 763-1825, as they may have different policies and ordinances.