Connellsville leaders talk adopting ordinance that would involve cat restrictions

CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. — City leaders in Connellsville are trying to decide whether or not the city needs to adopt an ordinance that would require city cats to be registered and restricted in their homes or on leashes. Dogs are required to be leashed.

Our newspaper exchange partner, the Tribune Review, talked to leaders about the issue.

Mayoral candidate Greg Lincoln told the Connellsville Health Board that he has a problem with putting a cat on a leash.  He said Jeannette has a cat ordinance, but neighboring communities including Mt. Pleasant and Scottdale do not.

Health board member Johanna Harden said people are moving out of their homes and apartments in Connellsville and leaving their cats behind.

"I'm a cat lover, but I know there are several diseases that cats carry," Harden said. "These stray cats are going into people's yards and gardens. There is cat feces all over the place. This is definitely a health and safety issue that needs to be addressed." Harden said residents have told her that cats are coming onto their porches and spraying their furniture.

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