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When it comes to feral cat populations across the United States, the legal landscape varies significantly from state to state. While some states have established laws and regulations to address the welfare of feral cats, others lack specific legislation on the matter.
In states like California, Florida, and Georgia, there are currently no statewide laws addressing feral cat populations. Without clear legal guidelines, individuals caring for feral cats may face challenges in protecting and managing colonies, as well as potential obstacles in dealing with animal control agencies or private citizens.
On the other hand, states like Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland have implemented laws to protect feral cats and regulate their care. These laws may require caretakers to register feral cat colonies, provide necessary care such as food, water, and shelter, and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Additionally, intentional harm or killing of feral cats is considered a criminal offense in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, regardless of ownership status. This underscores the importance of respecting and safeguarding the welfare of feral cat populations, even in states without explicit legal protections in place.
While the legal framework surrounding feral cat populations may vary across states, one thing remains consistent: the need for compassion and responsible stewardship in managing these vulnerable animal communities. By promoting humane treatment and proactive measures such as trap-neuter-return programs, communities can work towards ensuring the well-being of feral cats while also addressing concerns related to public health and safety.
State | Covered by Law | Additional Details |
---|---|---|
Alabama | No | |
Alaska | No | |
Arizona | No | |
Arkansas | No | |
California | No | |
Colorado | No | |
Connecticut | Yes | - Feral cats kept in residential or commercial areas must be registered with the town's animal contr... |
Delaware | Yes | - Delaware’s animal cruelty laws protect all cats from abuse, whether they’re owned or unowned or li... |
Florida | No | |
Georgia | No | |
Hawaii | Yes | - Caretakers of feral cats must register with the contracted rescue group and establish a "trap-ster... |
Idaho | No | - According to Idaho Animal Code, property owners are responsible for the control of feral cats on t... |
Illinois | Yes | - Feral cat colonies shall be permitted and feral cat caretakers shall be entitled to maintain and c... |
Indiana | Yes | - Community cat caretakers may provide food, water, shelter, and medical care for community cats, an... |
Iowa | No | |
Kansas | No | |
Kentucky | Yes | - Any person with feral cats on his premises must make a reasonable effort to capture or vaccinate t... |
Louisiana | No | |
Maine | No | |
Maryland | Yes | - Anti‑cruelty laws protect every cat regardless of the owner.
- Feeding, sheltering and/or otherwi... |
Massachusetts | No | |
Michigan | No | |
Minnesota | No | |
Mississippi | No | |
Missouri | No | |
Montana | No | |
Nebraska | Yes | - Caretaker permit rules for cats colonies:
- Colonies cannot have more than 20 adult feral cats at... |
Nevada | No | |
New Hampshire | No | |
New Jersey | No | |
New Mexico | No | |
New York | Yes | - Feral cats are considered companion animals and therefore cannot be treated as wildlife or wild an... |
North Carolina | Yes | - A feral cat caregiver is any individual registered to feed/water feral cats and/or feral cat colon... |
North Dakota | No | |
Ohio | No | |
Oklahoma | No | |
Oregon | No | |
Pennsylvania | No | |
Rhode Island | Yes | - Any person providing care or sustenance to feral cats for an uninterrupted period of sixty (60) da... |
South Carolina | Yes | - Caretakers of feral cats are exempt from any provision of law regarding the feeding of stray anima... |
South Dakota | No | |
Tennessee | No | |
Texas | No | |
Utah | No | |
Vermont | Yes | - Vermont law will recognizes that it is in the best interest of a community cat and shelter to put ... |
Virginia | Yes | - In Virginia, feral cats fall under the definition of companion animals and therefore caregivers co... |
Washington | Yes | - Ordinance that promotes the utilization of Trap-Neuter-Return |
West Virginia | Yes | - Feral cat colonies shall be permitted and caretakers shall be entitled to maintain them.
- Feral ... |
Wisconsin | No | |
Wyoming | No |