The city of Cottonwood is considering revising its animal codes to include measures that would make feeding feral animals illegal, including cats.

The move was first suggested in October, based on the recommendation of the city’s animal control officers, said Marianne Jiménez, Cottonwood city clerk.

“There have been changes made throughout the code,” Jiménez said.

The City Council is reviewing the changes and the new rules may be adopted by Dec. 18.

The proposed changes aim to address loopholes and violations in the current code that animal officials feel too often lead to cases of animal cruelty and neglect, according to a report issued by the city.

“The city has taken much initiative in adopting language to protect the community and animal population as a whole and adding language as necessary when seen fit,” read the initial report by the city. “However, the current [animal code] as a whole is vague in many areas leaving too broad of an interpretation to effectively determine and enforce violations, thus leading to confusion and uncertainty for many involved in the process.”

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Nov. 28, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.