Indian Head Park has adopted a new ordinance allowing residents to participate in a trap-neuter-return program to manage feral cat colonies in the village, marking a shift toward humane management of a growing nuisance issue.
Ordinance 2026-07, passed May 14 on a 4-0 vote, does not establish a village-run program. Instead, it clarifies Indian Head Park’s regulatory approach to existing trap-neuter-return activity while strengthening enforcement provisions against nuisance feeding and maintaining flexibility for humane practices.
“We heard from residents frustrated with outdoor cats,” Village President Amy Jo Wittenberg said in a news release. “This program gives us a humane way to address that while reducing the population over time.”
The village is partnering with Triple R Pets, a Cook County-certified nonprofit that oversees feral cat colony caretakers – volunteers who coordinate care for feral cat communities.
Under the program, volunteers trap the feral cats. Triple R Pets spay or neuter them, vaccinate and microchip them, and mark them with ear-tips for identification before returning the cats to their territory. Volunteer caretakers then monitor the colonies.
The village has identified its first group of volunteers, who attended a training session at Village Hall in June. The volunteers must sign an agreement with Triple R Pets outlining their responsibilities, including regular feeding schedules and ongoing care commitments.
“There is a responsibility to do this,” Wittenberg said at the May board meeting. “If you don’t want to do it anymore, you let them know so you don’t just drop the colony.”
The village is aware of at least one feral cat colony already being managed through the Hinsdale Humane Society, according to Wittenberg. One resident began trap-neuter-return efforts after her neighbor, who had been feeding the cats, passed away.
Wittenberg noted that other communities have found success with similar programs. Willow Springs, she said, had managed 25 feral cat colonies at one point.
Rules for nuisance feeding rules
The ordinance also includes provisions addressing nuisance feeding by non-caretakers. Residents who feed feral cats without being part of the program can face enforcement action. Caretakers must feed cats during daylight hours only; overnight feeding is prohibited.
The ordinance also reinforces existing village code prohibiting domestic cats from roaming overnight. Owners who allow house cats to roam can face citations and fines. Cats found at large can be taken to the Humane Society and impounded.
“Your cat could be trapped. Your cat could be taken to the Humane Society, spayed or neutered if you have not done that, and you could be fined,” Wittenberg said. “So please do not let your domestic house cats roam about the neighborhood.”
How to volunteer
The village will track the program’s progress through Triple R Pets, which will provide regular data on the number of cats trapped, neutered, and returned. If issues arise with a colony, the village can work with Triple R Pets to provide additional training or intervention.
The Village is recruiting residents to serve as Feral Cat Colony Caretakers. No prior experience is required. Triple R Pets will provide training and ongoing support.
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more can visit triplerpets.org or contact Village Hall at 708-246-3080 or admin@indianheadpark-il.gov.