Massillamany & Jeter LLP Partner Mario Massillamany was retained by local Cat-lebrity, Pirate Cat, to represent him in his legal battle with City of Carmel. Pirate Cat, who is well-known for carousing the territory of 96th Street at the Monon, was arrested this month after being seen walking around the Monon Trail. A new ordinance declaring the growing feral cat population a “public Nuisance” was passed in June by City of Carmel Council. It is left to the discretion of Carmel Police officers and appointees on how to manage the cats under this ordinance. Additionally, the owner of the cat can be fined $100.
The issue at hand is that Pirate Cat resides in Marion County with his owner, Amanda Cancilla, where a cat is allowed to roam free as long as they are fixed and vaccinated and has an ear tip. However, this is not permitted in Hamilton County. Pirate Cat is unable to distinguish the boundaries for both counties and due to the new City of Carmel’s ordinance, is being forced to stay indoors to eliminate the risk of being arrested or impounded. Pirate Cat is no longer able to enjoy the outdoors, which has saddened both Pirate Cat, his owners and local members of the community who enjoy his company. Mr. Massillamany is trying to stop the City of Carmel’s attempts to put Pirate Cat on “home detention.”
Pirate Cat has become a local Cat-lebrity with almost two thousand Facebook followers. Facebook followers post daily pictures documenting his travels on the Monon Trail and at other locations. Mr. Massillamany states, “it is my goal to work with City of Carmel officials to see what can be done on my client’s behalf. Pirate Cat is beloved by many and is not considered to be a “nuisance,” for which the ordinance was created to eliminate.”
Mr. Massillamany has worked with many city councils, county board of commissioners, and other municipal representatives throughout the State of Indiana drafting ordinances that pertain to animals. These ordinances range from leash laws, breed-specific legislation, and ordinances regarding chickens within city limits. Mr. Massillamany states, “these ordinances are sometimes drafted without taking into consideration all of the possible repercussions to animal owners.”
Massillamany & Jeter LLP is a full-service law firm based in Hamilton County but serving the entire State of Indiana. Mr. Massillamany is a founding partner of Massillamany & Jeter LLP who specializes in personal injury and criminal defense. Mr. Massillamany also represents county and municipal governments in a wide variety of legal and non-legal issues. The firm focuses its practice in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, corporate law, civil litigation, family law, estate planning, appeals and government services. The Firm has offices in Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Plainfield, Greenwood, and Lawrence.
Pirate Cat owner hopes feline will be pardoned by Carmel mayor after recent arrest