Owners with cats will not have to pay attention to Thorsby’s amended dog ordinance after the town’s council approved changes to the town’s original 1994 law.

In a unanimous vote, council members voted to adopt changes to the ordinance to match the ordinance in neighboring Jemison.

“It is exactly like Jemison’s because of the fact we use the same animal control officer,” Thorsby mayor Dearl Hilyer said. “We wanted to make sure we gave him the same set of guidelines for both us and Jemison.”

When needed, Thorsby will call on the animal control officer, who is employed by Jemison. When used, Thorsby will reimburse Jemison for his time.

“We wanted to make sure when he is out and about that he doesn’t have to worry about one ordinance or another,” Hilyer said.

Among the changes is the one limiting ownership of cats to three and requiring that dogs, and cats, in heat are to be kept confined.

Hilyer also said the new ordinance prohibits “prolonged barking,” and the placement of three or more dogs within 300 feet of another house.

The new ordinance became effective immediately upon the council’s vote Monday night.