At a South Beloit City Council meeting, local animal‑welfare advocates and council members discussed changes to the city’s running‑at‑large ordinance for cats and possible adoption of trap‑neuter‑return (TNR) practices.

The discussion began after Stephanie, who identified herself as executive director of Care for Pets and a state humane investigator, told the council that modern animal‑control practice generally favors TNR and that South Beloit’s existing ordinance and local implementation may be causing avoidable euthanasia of cats. “If someone catches a cat, they go to animal services. They’re evaluated for 24 hours… If it’s evaluated to be not friendly within those 24 hours, it’s euthanized,” Stephanie said, attributing part of the problem to an ordinance that dates to 1972 and to differences between the city’s rules and county practice.

Council members and speakers discussed local pickup data and who is doing the hands‑on work. A community caretaker who identified herself as Sarah told the council that local volunteers and organizations are the ones taking in many feral litters and responding to calls: “We are the ones getting the calls. We are the ones taking in all the feral kittens that are being born to the feral mothers,” she said. Stephanie cited a population estimate method she attributed to the American Veterinary Association and said that, by that formula, “you should have, per your population size, approximately 500, give or take, outdoor cats in your community.” She also gave Winnebago County pickup totals the council should consider: “In 2022, the county only picked up 7. 2023, 6. 2024, they only picked up 14,” she said.

Speakers noted an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Winnebago County Animal Services and differences in practice over time. Council members asked staff to confirm Winnebago County’s current procedures and whether the county is still operating a TNR program. Stephanie and others said county practice has shifted and that, in some cases, cats described as feral are being euthanized after intake. The transcript records a request for Winnebago County to put any procedural changes in writing.

Council members agreed there is a mismatch between the city ordinance language and newer TNR practices in other communities. City staff and council members directed the city attorney to draft ordinance language for the council to review; the attorney was asked to coordinate with Winnebago County Animal Services and to share proposed changes with the people who spoke at the meeting. Councilmember Pat (first name not provided in the transcript) said, “We wanna get the ordinance changed,” and the mayor and staff confirmed the attorney will work on proposed language.

Next steps are for city staff and the city attorney to follow up with Winnebago County Animal Services, obtain any written changes in county procedure, and present draft ordinance revisions to the council. Stephanie offered to provide contact information and supporting materials to staff.