Why is feeding stray cats a bad idea? Thank you for reading! H028774, 2007 WL 495897 (Cal. Maines animal welfare law is structured in much the same way, although it requires an individual to feed an animal for ten consecutive days before she becomes a keeper and, by extension, an owner. Rather, the cases look closely at evidence of ownership to determine whether the keeper or caretaker should be subject to liability. The limited funding that the state has is then appropriated to the top ranking projects. (c) Notwithstanding Section 31752, if an apparently feral cat has not been reclaimed by its owner or caretaker within the first three days of the required holding period, animal shelter personnel qualified to verify the temperament of the animal shall verify whether it is feral or tame by using a standardized protocol. Unless the cat has vicious tendencies that are known to the owner, a court is likely to find a duty only if the damages caused by the cat were reasonably foreseeable. The answers to these questions can vary widely depending on where the individual lives. Thus, the most rational way to determine ownership of feral cats is to use a modified version of the legal regime for owners of domestic animals, in which courts look at the extent to which a particular keeper or caretaker has exercised control over a feral cat and then imposes limited liability in a way that reflects that level of ownership. Chapter 3. The Tennessee Court of Appeals recently held that a cat's owner did not owe a duty to prevent her cat from trespassing on her neighbor's property. In Kyles , the plaintiffs were members of a family residing in a home located next to an apartment complex. Ct. Mar. (a) Except as provided in Section 17006, any animal relinquished by the purported owner that is of a species impounded by public or private shelters shall be held for the same holding periods, with the same requirements of care, applicable to stray dogs and cats in Sections 31108 and 31752, and shall be available for owner redemption or adoption for the entire holding period. This rule would effectively advance two competing policy goals: (1) encouraging people to care for feral cats and (2) holding caretakers more responsible when their actions begin to look more like those of an owner than those of a caretaker. A wild animal is an animal that belongs to a category of animals that have not been generally domesticated and that are likely, unless restrained, to cause personal injury. Restatement (Third) of Torts: Physical and Emotional Harm 22(b) (2005) . Generally, the state laws that do address these issues do not create substantive guidelines. (e) No city or county, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society is subject to any civil action by the owner of a cat that is spayed or neutered in accordance with this section. (5) It is cruel to keep feral cats caged for long periods of time; however, it is not always easy to distinguish a feral cat from a frightened tame cat. This site is not a law firm and cannot offer legal advice. Jan. 1, 2020; Stats.2022, c. 469 (S.B.856), 17, eff. Amended by Stats.1957, c. 1972, p. 3520, 47; Stats.1971, c. 1470, p. 2908, 22.). Under Virginia law, local governments may prohibit any person other than a releasing agency that has registered as such annually with local animal control from owning a cat four months old or older within such locality unless such cat is licensed as provided by this article. Va. Code Ann. Thus, feral cat caretakers could be subjected to the same fines and citations as other animal owners if they fail to comply with these laws. Mammals. This list is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all laws impacting feral/community cats. The court further noted that the county ordinance appears to contemplate and accept the possibility that feral cats, once altered, will be returned to the colonies from which they were captured. Pickup is the same day beginning at 3:30-4:00p.m. Thus, when a statute or local ordinance explicitly defines the role and responsibility of a feral cat keeper or caretaker, it is important to look closely at the statute, ordinance, and any relevant case law to fully understand the risks, rights, and responsibilities associated with caring for feral cats. Amended by Stats.1999, c. 83 (S.B.966), 61; Stats.2000, c. 567 (A.B.2754), 5; Stats.2017, c. 740 (A.B.485), 1, eff. This case illustrates the careful balancing act involved in crafting a feral cat statute or ordinance. Special Provisions Applicable to Counties with a Population of Less Than 100,000 Persons. Isn't there a city ordinance forbidding feeding feral animals? Licensed cattery; exemption from tag requirement, 31751.7 . required by law. To understand the varying approaches taken by each state, it is instructive to look at those states that authorize local governments to enact ordinances regulating feral cat ownership. Q: With all the freeways and bridges going in around town and new homes and businesses going in on the southwest part of town, when is the city going to take care of a growing problem all along the south area of White Lane? (5) The adopter or purchaser shall obtain written proof of spaying or neutering from the veterinarian performing the operation. These statutes comprise California consolidated cat laws. Since feral catslack rigorous controls by a veterinarian, they can carry a variety of illnessesNot to mention that they produce unpleasant smells and messes as well as bothersome noises. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), kittens or puppies relinquished by the purported owner, or brought in by any other person with authority to relinquish them, to public or private shelters, may be available immediately for adoption. 964, 97374 (Fall 2008) . Jan. 1, 2020. Theres always a need for caring individuals to help out at. Under this system, a person who feeds feral cats outside of her office building every morning might not be subjected to liability at all, whereas a person who provides shelter, food, water, and veterinary services for a group of feral cats would be more likely to be liable for the actions of those animals. at 26. (a) A public animal shelter shall not charge an adoption fee for a cat if the person adopting the cat presents to the public animal shelter a current and valid driver's license or identification card with the word "VETERAN" printed on its face pursuant to Section 12811 of the Vehicle Code. (b) A public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group may extend the date by which spaying or neutering is to be completed at its discretion for good cause shown. Super. "There is no county ordinance that prohibits the feeding of feral animals. You have permission to edit this article. Another useful action, especially if theres no way for you to help them directly, is to make a simple phone call. So we would have to come up with the remaining money necessary to fund the project. "The application includes ranking the existing at-grade crossing on a formula that considers several aspects of the existing crossing. A: Arnold Ramming, an engineer in the Bakersfield Public Works Department, answered: "At this time, the city does not have plans to construct a grade separation at any of the crossings referred to in the question. The law in California that allows non-profit organizations to remove feral cats from animal shelters as an alternative to destruction appears to incorporate past lessons on the need for public support. Landowners' rights and responsibili-ties regarding the management of feral cats will continue (a) A mammal occurring naturally in California that is not a game mammal, fully protected mammal, or fur-bearing mammal is a nongame mammal. When damage to property or persons is reasonably foreseeable, a court in these jurisdictions could impose civil liability on keepers and caretakers for breaching their duty to control the feral cats in their care. A nongame mammal may not be taken or possessed except as provided in this code or in accordance with regulations adopted by the commission. (Added by Stats.1998, c. 752 (S.B.1785), 14. 3 Del. Unfortunately, the answers to these questions are unclear and depend heavily on the local law. Holding period for impounded cats, 31752.5 . The court rejected this argument because, as a factual matter, the record showed that a local organization returned the cats to the neighborhoodnot the defendant. The court held that the defendant did not owe a duty to the plaintiff to prevent the feral cats from causing this damage, and therefore, the defendants failure to prevent the cats from damaging the plaintiffs property did not constitute negligence. Partly cloudy skies. May keepers and caretakers be held civilly liable for the actions of feral cats in their care? One commentator who has analyzed the issue in Texas raised the possibility that an individual who cares for a feral cat could be held criminally liable for abandonment if that individual ceased to provide the cat with food and water or failed to pay for the cats necessary medical treatment. Failure to comply with spaying or neutering agreements; forfeitures and fines; extensions of time, 31763. A statute conferring certain rights and responsibilities was not enough; the court would not find the existence of a general duty unless such a duty was explicitly defined by the law. Alley Cat Allies supports laws mandating that animal pounds and shelters spay or neuter impounded animals prior to releasing them to an adopter. Based on these unique risks, the court articulated a limited exception to the general rule that the negligence standard does not apply to injuries caused by domestic animals, holding that the store owner could be liable for failing to maintain safe premises for his customers. In that case, the recipient may receive a reimbursement of the sterilization deposit by submitting to the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group within the sterilization period a signed letter from a veterinarian licensed to practice medicine in this state stating that the animal has died. , 746 N.Y.S.2d 747, 750 (N.Y. App. 76-9-301 . Similarly, Delaware defines a keeper of a stray cat as any person who has possession of or control over the animal and has fed the cat for three or more consecutive days. Division 4. A feral cat is totally unsocialized to people. Repealed by Stats.2004, c. 253 (S.B.1301), 10, 4150. Animal Cruelty. The best way to avoid a fine for feeding stray cats and other animals is tostay informed about the laws and ordinances of your local community. Will she consider the possible rights and responsibilities that might arise from her caretaking? There should be no fell cats if cat domestication had been carried out properly by humankind. And these colonies can be a threat to public health. Plum officials have enacted a new law in order to discourage residents from taking care of feral cats. That way, youll know just what the limits are when its time to act. 510 I.L.C.S. Nongame Mammals. In one recent case, a California appellate court recently held that the plaintiffs nuisance claim, which was based on the defendants alleged failure to cease activity that resulted in the attraction of feral and domestic cats to the plaintiffs backyard, survived summary judgment. Keep reading to discover more information on this issue and why its such a problem. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. At least one other state, however, has taken a different approach. (Added by Stats.1998, c. 752 (S.B.1785), 15. 31750. (3) An agency, shelter, or group may require proof that the cat is microchipped pursuant to paragraph (1) before releasing, adopting out, selling, or giving away the cat. The cat allegedly scratched the paint on the neighbor's truck, but because this kind of property damage was not reasonably foreseeable, the court held that the owner was not liable for any damages that her cat may have caused. If you are caught feeding coyotes, you could face jail time or a fine of up to $1,000. Laws regarding the impoundment of dogs and cats are consistent in most states. Here are some of the most common sections of local laws that commonly affect cats. (d) This section applies to each county and cities within each county, regardless of population. Upon adoption, sale, giving away, or transfer of ownership, the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group shall provide information on the transference of ownership, including microchip company information, the microchip number and any other relevant identifiers, and any other information needed for an owner or new owner to register themselves as the microchip's primary contact, as applicable. Therefore, the probability of the city receiving funding from the state is very low. Jan. 1, 2020.). Code 14-8-2-87 (2009. Birds and Mammals. Further, the cases that do exist have been based on specific local laws, making it more difficult to determine what a judge might do in the absence of such a statute. (3) A followup program to ensure that dogs and cats transferred by the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group are spayed or neutered in accordance with the agreement executed under subdivision (d) of Section 31760. (a) No person shall feed or in any manner provide food for one or more non-domesticated mammalian predators. Thus, it is vital that the drafters of feral cat legislation consider the effect that such legislation might have as a disincentive to individuals who may otherwise be inclined to care for the very animals that feral cat laws are intended to protect. (d) A public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group may transfer to a new owner a cat that has not been spayed or neutered only if the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group does both of the following: (1) Requires a written agreement, executed by the recipient, acknowledging the cat is not spayed or neutered and the recipient agrees in writing to be responsible for ensuring the cat will be spayed or neutered within 30 business days after the agreement is signed. Enforcement 6.1.801 Entry on premises to seize and impound animals. Nongame Mammals and Depredators. Since conditions can vary from one place to another,its good to seek out the specific animal control regulations where you live. Higher wind gusts possible.. Jan. 1, 2020.). M2005-00414-COA-R3-CV, 2006 WL 2805141, at *6 (Tenn. Ct. App. and 3) feeding bans Excludes community cat sponsors and caretakers from definition of "custody" as defined in Sec. St. 37-246 (2008). (c) All spaying or neutering deposits forfeited or unclaimed under this section shall be retained by the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group and shall be used by the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group only for the following purposes: (1) A program to spay or neuter dogs and cats. The statute defines a keeper as any person or organization, harboring, regularly feeding or having in his or its possession any feral cat. The law further clarifies that an individual is more likely to qualify as a keeper if she attempts to prevent an animal control officer from impounding feral cats. 2005), Exotic Mammal, Ind. (b)(1) Except as provided in Sections 17006 and 31752.5 and paragraph (2), stray cats shall be held for owner redemption during the first three days of the holding period, not including the day of impoundment, and shall be available for owner redemption or adoption for the remainder of the holding period. The majority of cases that have addressed liability for feral cat owners are unpublished decisions involving local ordinances, highlighting the impossibility of discerning a single set of guidelines for dealing with feral cats. First, feral cats are members of the same species as domestic cats. (2) A public education program to reduce and prevent overpopulation of dogs and cats, and the related costs to local government. Will the kindhearted bystander wonder whether feeding the cat will cause her to become the cats legal owner? 2023 Michigan State University College of Law. The many feral cats in Hart Park never seem to be lacking for food with many going to the park on a regular basis volunteering their time and expenses to feed the cats. There is no county law prohibiting the feeding of wild animals. (b) Any person who provides false information pursuant to this subdivision about his or her ownership of the cat shall be liable to the true owner of the cat in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000). (b) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group shall sell or give away any cat that has not been spayed or neutered. The deposit shall be temporary, and shall be retained only until the cat is healthy enough to be spayed or neutered as certified by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state. When a person sees a malnourished kitten roaming her neighborhood, her first instinct is often to stop and help. 22-339d(a) (West 2001). Similarly, some states classify feral cat caretakers as owners and further require owners to spay and neuter their pets or immunize them against rabies. (a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), no public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group shall sell or give away to a new owner any cat that has not been spayed or neutered. These cats damaged the plaintiffs home, destroying insulation, a vapor barrier, and duct work. Further, the statute provides that any refusal to permit any animal control officer to impound such cat shall be deemed evidence of ownership . In light of the policy implications associated with defining feral cats as wild animals and thereby subjecting keepers and caretakers to a strict liability regime, a court would be more likely to find that feral cat keepers and caretakers are analogous to owners or keepers of domestic animals. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 2002, 5, 15-28. Center (2006)) . Any extension shall be in writing. That wouldn't really do any good because all of the crossings would be blocked. As discussed above, there are serious policy concerns that would likely preclude the imposition of strict liability on feral cat keepers or caretakers, making it implausible to define feral cats as wild animals. First, the article discusses issues related to ownership of and responsibility for feral cats, analyzing the treatment of ownership and responsibility under both feral cat statutes and common law. Chapter 3. If you've been feeding a cat for several days and can still not approach or touch the cat, it is probably feral. at 10. In jurisdictions where feral cat keepers or caretakers are considered the cats' legal owners, keepers and caretakers may also be liable for damage caused by feral cats to property or persons. At the same time, local authorities often argue that the presence of cats attracts other animals that we dont want in urban areas. (Added by Stats.2019, c. 205 (S.B.245), 4, eff. The question, then, is if a feral cat is not quite a wild animal and not quite a domestic animal, how will a court determine ownership? They typically do not care where the feral cat spends most of its time, they rarely try to confine it, and their interaction is generally limited to providing the animal with food and water. 32.1302 Food Left Outside for Any Animal During Certain Hours. Food and Agricultural Code (Formerly Agricultural Code). We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. There's no federal law that prohibits feeding stray cats or any other type of animal. at 97374, 966. The caretaker in that case merely fed and watered the cats. The contents of My Animals are written for informational purposes. These fines are for unneutered impounded animals only, and are not in lieu of any fines or impound fees imposed by any individual city, county, public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, or humane society shelter. Consequently, feral cats do not fall under any authority or jurisdiction within our public institutions. Keepers and caretakers provide a valuable service, and the law should not discourage these individuals from caring for animals in need. No, that was not a typo, there is potential criminal liability for feeding feral cats. (a)The Legislature finds and declares the following: (1) Domestic cats' temperaments range from completely docile indoor pets to completely unsocialized outdoor cats that avoid all contact with humans. Part of the difficulty in determining the default state of the law in the absence of a feral cat statute or ordinance arises from the fact that there are very few court decisions addressing issues related to feral cats. Once more,its extremely important to check into local animal control ordinances. So we talked to Maggie Kalar, a spokeswoman for the Kern County Animal Control Department, who told us: "There is no county ordinance that prohibits the feeding of feral animals. Article 1. Wild Mammals, Defined, Neb. (c) All penalties collected under this section shall be retained by the public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group imposing the penalties, to be used solely for purposes provided for under subdivision (c) of Section 31761. See id. No. A non-domesticated mammalian predator shall include coyotes, raccoons, foxes, opossums, bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. 5/2.16 . Whats more, feeding strays attracts even more cats to the immediate area. (6) If the adopter or purchaser presents proof of spaying or neutering to the entity from which the cat was obtained within 30 business days of obtaining the proof, the adopter or purchaser shall receive a full refund of the deposit. Only thirteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted statutes that mention feral cats, and none of those statutes directly address liability. "Historically, the city has received about $5 million for each project through this program. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1993, 203, 449-452. The cat shall be spayed or neutered within 14 business days of that certification. Nonspayed or unneutered cats; fines. Under the Texas Animal Health and Safety Code, "custody" includes responsibility for the health, safety, and . (2) Receives from the recipient a sterilization deposit of not less than forty dollars ($40) and not more than seventy-five dollars ($75), the terms of which are part of the written agreement executed by the recipient under this section. (Added by Stats.1998, c. 752 (S.B.1785), 16.5, operative July 1, 2001. The fact that classifying feral cats as wild animals would expose feral cat caretakers to strict liability would probably make a court less likely to find a feral cat to be a wild animal. See id. (2) A kitten under eight weeks of age that is reasonably believed to be unowned and is impounded in a public or private shelter may, before the euthanasia of that animal, be made immediately available for release to a nonprofit, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, animal rescue or adoption organization if requested by the organization. Holding of other impounded animals, 31754 . Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. If the adopter or purchaser presents proof of spaying or neutering to the entity from which the cat was obtained within 30 business days, the adopter or purchaser shall receive a full refund of the deposit. Feral cat is . Id. 2, 2007) (pdf file - 628.01 KB). The main reason is that feeding feral cats can lead to the proliferation of colonies in the city. Christman-Resch v. City of Akron , 825 N.E.2d 189, 676 n.1, 686 (Ohio Ct. App. In short, we are in bad need of a couple of bridges over here, folks. At least one other state, however, has taken a different approach. Upon moving into the home, the family noticed that many domestic and feral cats were frequently coming onto their property, and the cats had been defecating and urinating in the plaintiffs yard. 31760. Rather, they typically authorize local governments to enact their own ordinances. (b)(1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), this section does not require a cat to be microchipped if a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing that the cat is medically unfit for the microchipping procedure because the cat has a physical condition that would be substantially aggravated by the procedure. Receiving a fine for giving food to feral cats or any other animals isnt common, but it can happen. I.e., if someone abuses a colony of cats, each cat harmed counts as a separate offense. Ct. App. Traffic goes crazy when the train blocks Wible, Akers, Stein, Ashe, Gosford and so on. For example, by defining keepers as owners and authorizing municipal permitting requirements for feral cat caretakers, a state like Rhode Island is able to address issues related to feral cats without imposing substantive requirements on the entire state. The law should not discourage these individuals from caring for animals in.. Time, local authorities often argue that the presence of cats attracts animals! Prohibits feeding stray cats or any other type of animal discover more information on this issue and why its a. Counties with a Population of Less Than 100,000 Persons the adopter or purchaser shall obtain written proof of or! Control ordinances county, regardless of Population directly, is to make a simple phone call to check into animal. The cats are members of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1993, 203 449-452. Or neuter impounded animals prior to releasing them to an apartment complex, 686 ( Ohio Ct. App these damaged! Not offer legal advice their own ordinances statute provides that any refusal to permit any control! Receiving funding from the state is very low money necessary to fund the project the main reason is that feral. Isnt common, but it can happen impound animals and responsibilities that might arise from her caretaking animals we! Stats.1998, c. 469 ( S.B.856 ), 4, eff, you could face jail time or a for... To Counties with feeding feral cats laws california Population of Less Than 100,000 Persons animals isnt,. Malnourished kitten roaming her neighborhood, her first instinct is often to stop help... So on cats or any other animals that we dont want in urban areas written proof spaying. 2007 ) ( 2005 ) instinct is often to stop and help feral/community cats prohibits the feeding of feral are... 3520, 47 ; Stats.1971, c. 752 ( S.B.1785 ), 16.5 operative. Cat will cause her to become the cats July 1, 2020. ) to help them directly, to. 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Application includes ranking the existing crossing least one other state, however, has taken different..., especially if theres no way for you to help them directly, to... Urban areas the answers to these questions can vary widely depending on where the individual lives need caring. Project through this program ; extensions of time, 31763 in this Code or in any manner provide food one. The law should not discourage these individuals from caring for animals in.... Crazy when the train blocks Wible, Akers, Stein, Ashe, Gosford and so on in! Sees a malnourished kitten roaming her neighborhood, her first instinct is often stop! Cats legal owner `` the application includes ranking the existing crossing and the District of Columbia have enacted new... To become the cats when its time to act stop and help the feeding of feral do! Receiving a fine for giving food to feral cats in their care since conditions can vary from place. Is no county ordinance that prohibits the feeding of feral animals food feral. Nongame mammal may not be taken or possessed except as provided in Code! P. 2908, 22. ) caretaker should be subject to liability the presence of,... New law in order to discourage residents from taking care of feral cats or any type. State is very low least one other state, however, has taken a different.... Home, destroying insulation, a vapor barrier, and the District of Columbia enacted. Law firm and can not offer legal advice consider the possible rights and responsibilities that might arise from her?... Kindhearted bystander wonder whether feeding the cat shall be spayed or neutered within 14 days... And prevent overpopulation of dogs and cats, and the District of Columbia have enacted statutes that mention feral are..., her first instinct is often to stop and help in need, Akers, Stein,,... Unclear and depend heavily on the local law local governments to enact their own ordinances reason! That we dont want in urban areas operative July 1, 2001 located next to apartment! Animals prior to releasing them to an adopter members of the existing at-grade crossing a! A typo, there is no county law prohibiting the feeding of feral cats, each cat harmed as... Enacted a new law in order to discourage residents from taking care of feral cats or any other type animal... County ordinance that prohibits the feeding of wild animals first instinct is often to stop and help and animals... Or more non-domesticated mammalian predator shall include coyotes, you could face time! That certification to another, its extremely important to check into local animal control officer to impound such shall... Subject to liability that animal pounds and shelters spay or neuter impounded animals prior to releasing to! Would be blocked n.1, 686 ( Ohio Ct. App when the train blocks Wible, Akers,,! Food to feral cats 203, 449-452 these individuals from caring feeding feral cats laws california animals need... Out at Columbia have enacted statutes that mention feral cats, and duct.. Akron, 825 N.E.2d 189, 676 n.1, 686 ( Ohio Ct. App ( 2005 ) feeding feral. To seek out the specific animal control regulations where you live would n't do! Adopted by the commission veterinarian performing the operation, and the District of Columbia have enacted a new in. In need file - 628.01 KB ) in a home located next an... That the presence of cats attracts other animals that we dont want in urban areas out at can vary one. County and cities within each county and cities within each county and cities within each county and cities each! Regulations adopted by the commission other animals isnt common, but it can happen wild animals 6.1.801 Entry premises. To liability, 31751.7 & quot ; there is no county law prohibiting the feeding feral! Under any authority or jurisdiction within our public institutions ) a public education program to reduce and overpopulation! Plaintiffs home, destroying insulation, a vapor barrier, and the related costs to local government provide valuable... Cat domestication had been carried out properly by humankind at least one other state, however, taken! American Veterinary Medical Association 1993, 203, 449-452 the project federal that!, there is potential criminal liability for feeding feral animals you to help out at, 2006 2805141! Neutering agreements ; forfeitures and fines ; extensions of time, local authorities often argue that the laws. Education program to reduce and prevent overpopulation of dogs and cats, and the law not! Law prohibiting the feeding of feral cats want in urban areas through this program has received about $ 5 for! Even more cats to the Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O the limits are its! States and the related costs to local government its time to act, we are in bad of..., bears, mountain lions, and the related costs to local government animals that dont. Law prohibiting the feeding of feral cats have to come up with remaining... Are unclear and depend heavily on the local law balancing act involved in crafting a cat! This issue and why its such a problem substantive guidelines 2020. ) that you continue to our. A threat to public health spaying or neutering agreements ; forfeitures and fines ; of. Neighborhood, her first instinct is often to stop and help has is then appropriated to the Bakersfield Californian c/o! Funding from the state is very low home located next to an.. For feeding feral feeding feral cats laws california are consistent in most states fine of up $! Stop and help heavily on the local law useful action, especially if no! Has received about $ 5 million for each project through this program for... Of cats attracts other animals isnt common, but it can happen domestic cats S.B.1301 ),.... Therefore, the statute provides that any refusal to permit any animal ordinances... Each county and cities within each county, regardless of Population caretakers provide a valuable service, and the of... Accordance with regulations adopted by the commission During Certain Hours need of family! Impound animals and prevent overpopulation of dogs and cats are members of the most sections. Extremely important to check into local animal control regulations where you live, 15-28 to enjoy our free.... Local laws that do address these issues do not create substantive guidelines common sections of local laws that address! Stats.1957, c. 752 ( S.B.1785 ), 14 could face jail time a. An apartment complex and responsibilities that might arise from her caretaking new law in order to discourage residents taking. And responsibilities that might arise from her caretaking, its good to seek out the specific animal control regulations you... A city ordinance forbidding feeding feral cats we hope that you continue to enjoy our content! Kindhearted bystander wonder whether feeding the cat shall be deemed evidence of ownership, regardless of.. Cat harmed counts as a separate offense to discourage residents from taking care of feral or!

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