Barb Buskirk, vice president of the Save A Kitty program, speaks about the final reading for the amended ordinance that prohibits feeding animals on public property at Tuesday’s meeting of Parkersburg City Council.

PARKERSBURG – An ordinance prohibiting feeding animals on public property was amended before it passed in a 6-3 vote during Tuesday’s regular Parkersburg City Council meeting, meaning another reading will be required later this month.

The amendment proposed delaying the ordinance’s effective date for six months. Councilwoman Wendy Tuck said this will allow officials to work with the community to create a comprehensive plan that will find a solution for the cats in Southwood Park.

Twelve members of the public addressed the subject for the entire 40-minute public forum.

“This ban is not going to work; the cats aren’t going to go anywhere; they’re going to continue to look for food here,” said Jessica Powell, a member of the Save A Kitty organization that works to spay, neuter and vaccinate stray cats.

“Partner with Save A Kitty, partner with the Humane Society, talk to the caregivers; we are all willing to work with all of you to get the solution,” said Powell.

Parkersburg City Councilwoman Wendy Tuck, center, presents the public with updates from the Tree Committee during Tuesday night’s regular city council meeting. Look for more coverage from the meeting online and in Thursday’s print. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Many of the statements from the public were focused on the stray cats that had been dumped and abandoned at the park. Multiple speakers during the public forum said it’s a people problem, not a cat problem.

“This is an example of dysfunction, this is an example of not talking to experts, this is an example of not going to local people who know what they’re talking about,” said Parkersburg resident Trish Pritchard. “Talk and get input from your constituents.”

Councilwoman Sharon Kuhl said she loves cats but her concern was about the safety of the public and children who play at the park. She said that the cats were coming to all of the shelters where people eat and the presence of so many of the animals can make the area unsanitary.

“We’re often called upon to solve a problem that we didn’t create,” said Mayor Tom Joyce. Councilman Rob Moore said that just the other night he witnessed an individual feed about 30 cats at every single shelter in the park.

Councilman Chris Rexroad made a motion to table the ordinance and form a special committee with council members to come up with a plan.

“After hearing everyone speak, it sounds like we have multiple individuals and organizations who are willing to work with us to solve this problem,” he said. “I think everybody can agree it’s a problem – it’s how we solve it.”

Tuck seconded the motion but it failed in a 6-3 vote. Further discussion amongst the council members led to Councilman Roger Brown making the motion for the ordinance to go into effect six months from Tuesday which is Feb. 12, 2026.

The motion passed in a 6-3 vote with Tuck, Councilman Zak Huffman and council President Mike Reynolds opposed.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com