Oregon, OH Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

01. Once a cat is seized, the process depends on whether it is wearing identification sufficient to trace its owner, keeper or harborer. If it is identified, the City must notify that owner, who then has 72 hours from the date of the notice to redeem the cat before the City may place it elsewhere or take other appropriate action. If a seized cat has no identification sufficient to determine ownership, the City can move to place it or take other appropriate action within just 48 hours of seizure.

The ordinance further makes clear that any cat found running at large without adequate identification is treated as prima facie evidence that it is not owned, which shifts the practical burden onto an owner to keep current identification on an outdoor cat if they want the 72-hour redemption window rather than the shorter 48-hour track. Before taking final action on an unclaimed cat, the City and its agents must use their best efforts to refer the animal to a local rescue or adoption organization rather than defaulting straight to euthanasia or disposal. 14's rabies immunization requirement, since a redeemed cat must still meet the City's separate immunization rules to be returned to its owner.