Disposition of feral colony cats.
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 67.60
in effect67.60. - Disposition of feral colony cats.
An animal control officer who has a trapped cat whose right or left ear has been tipped or which bears some other distinguishing mark, such as but not limited to a tattoo, indicating that it belongs to a feral cat colony, shall scan the cat for an EAID. If an EAID is found, the officer shall attempt to contact the sponsor or feral cat colony caretaker. If an EAID is not found, the officer shall take reasonable steps to notify a sponsor of the description and sex of the cat, and if available, the address or location where the cat was trapped. The sponsor shall then take all appropriate and available steps to identify the feral cat colony caretaker of the cat or a feral cat colony caretaker who will take responsibility for managing the cat.
If the feral cat colony caretaker is not able to immediately take custody of the cat, the officer shall transport the cat to MACC. The feral cat colony caretaker shall be responsible for retrieving the cat from the shelter within three (3) business days or advising the shelter if he or she does not intend to retrieve the cat; no fees will be charged for cats reclaimed within three (3) business days. In all other cases normal impound and kennel fees apply.
MACC, its designee, or a licensed veterinarian, in accordance with this title shall be the only persons permitted to destroy a feral cat. No person may knowingly cause physical harm to or cause the destruction by any means of a feral cat. The only exception will be by written permit from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or the Minnesota Department of Health for the purpose of controlling diseases transmissible to humans or other animals and only when all other methods and means have been exhausted. Such a permit shall name a person or persons conducting the activities, specify the items and products to be used, give the boundaries of the area involved and specify the precautionary measures to be employed to ensure the safety of humans and other animals. Any drugs used for the euthanasia shall be administered by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. (Ord. No. 2016-009, § 1, 2-12-16)
Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT4ANCACO_CH67FECACO_67.60DIFECOCAFetched: 11/2/2026