Cat Control Ordinance Fails in Keokuk

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk city council defeated an effort to prohibit cats from leaving their homes or their owner's control. The proposal would have allowed the animal control officer to capture and impound pet cats if they are loose. That's already the practice with wild cats. Alderman Bill Olmsted says he has received several complaints about pet cats causing problems for Keokuk residents. Several aldermen questioned whether the proposal could be enforced, or if it meant cats would have to be leashed like a dog. Olmsted says he will address these issues and several others, then bring the measure back to the council soon.