Evansville, IN Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Program
- Trap-neuter-return (TNR)
- Cats are
- Ear-tipped and vaccinated, then released
- Licensing
- Community cats are exempt
- Min. caretaker fine
- $25.00 first violation
Summary
Evansville runs a trap-neuter-return community cat program: free-roaming cats can be trapped, sterilized, ear-tipped and vaccinated, then returned, and caretakers who feed them take on defined duties.
A community cat program is established in order to encourage the stabilization of the free-roaming cat population in the city by utilizing a trap, neuter, and return methodology. A person may trap any free-roaming cat in a humane manner...in order to have the free-roaming cat evaluated, sterilized, ear-tipped, and vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and released to the vicinity from where it was trapped or released to a community cat caretaker.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 6.05.190 establishes a community cat program "to encourage the stabilization of the free-roaming cat population in the city by utilizing a trap, neuter, and return methodology," letting anyone trap a free-roaming cat for evaluation, sterilization, ear-tipping and rabies vaccination before it is released back to where it was trapped or to a caretaker. EMC 6.05.060(G) separately confirms TNR is permitted citywide. Under EMC 6.05.200, a community cat caretaker who regularly feeds or shelters one must follow Animal Care and Control's guidelines and get veterinary care for a seriously ill or injured cat; unlike other pets, community cats are exempt from licensing and animal assemblage permitting.
Violations & Fines
A community cat caretaker who violates their responsibilities under EMC 6.05.200 is punishable under EMC 6.05.140, with a first-violation fine of at least $25.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trap-neuter-return (TNR) for feral cats legal in Evansville?
Do community cats need to be licensed in Evansville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
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