Irondequoit, NY Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Article II of Chapter 79 of the Town of Irondequoit Code, the Cat Control Law adopted 4-25-2000 by L.L. No. 2-2000, begins with a Town Board finding that cats have in some instances been allowed to roam free on property of others and are causing annoyance and damage. Section 79-13 defines the owner as any person who owns a cat or who keeps, harbors or feeds a cat. The owner need not live in the Town, but for a violation to occur the cat must be within the town limits.

Section 79-14 lists three restricted acts. An owner or anyone harboring a cat cannot permit it to be vicious or to spray or defecate in a way that annoys anyone other than the owner. Nor can the owner permit it to damage or destroy property or commit a nuisance on another person's premises. And the cat cannot remain in the Town of Irondequoit unless currently vaccinated against feline rabies. Article II prints no cat license or fee.

A separate zoning limit sits in § 235-73: no more than two dogs or three cats harbored per dwelling unit in any residential district as an accessory use. Harboring more than three adult cats (three months or older) requires a special use permit from the Animal Control Officer. The permit is reviewed annually and is subject to revocation if the Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer judges the keeping a public nuisance. In deciding, the officer weighs danger to neighboring property or children, noise or offensive odors, and detriment to the community.

The Animal Control Officer or Deputy investigates complaints under § 79-16 and issues an appearance ticket under § 79-17 on reasonable cause. Any Town Justice hears the cases under § 79-15. A Local Law of 8-15-2023 (L.L. No. 7-2023) repealed the former provisions on seizure of cats at large and on redemption procedures and fees.