Code 14-8-2-87 (2009. This policy does not call for the FWC to kill cats, nor does it outlaw the practice of Trap-Neuter-Release. Rather, they typically authorize local governments to enact their own ordinances. Cats in the F5 generation and further are considered entirely legal, though, and can be kept in most places. ; Zhou, T.; Ruan, S. Analysis of Rabies in China: Transmission Dynamics and Control. You: Id like to consult my attorney.. Say that youd like to consult an attorney before signing anything. The key question in either case is whether the owner has a duty to control the cat's behavior. Animal Cruelty and Abuse Laws in Illinois | Lawyers.com Mahlow, J.C.; Slater, M.R. VanWormer, E.; Conrad, P.A. (Remember: Your animal control officer may not be familiar with Trap-Neuter-Return.). There are three common reasons communities use when proposing a ban (or restrictions) on feeding free-roaming cats: (1) the cats are causing a nuisance to residents or business owners; (2) potential impacts to public health, wildlife, and the environment; and (3) the unowned cat population is . But see Allen v. Cox , 942 A.2d 296, 304 (Conn. 2008) (holding that when a cat's owner knows that the cat has a propensity to be violent, the owner may be liable for reasonably foreseeable injuries caused by the cat's aggressive behavior). Follow good colony care practices including keeping the area clean and removing all food after 30 minutes. at 26. Types of wildlife killed by cats typically include small mammals (60-70%), birds (20-30%), and amphibians, reptiles, and insects (10%). /* Content Template: Content template for Resources - start */ 964 (Fall 2008) . She is unlikely to provide shelter or regular veterinary care, and she would presumably be less likely to assert ownership over the cat or try to keep it from straying. Levy, J.K.; Isaza, N.M.; Scott, K.C. The caretaker in that case merely fed and watered the cats. Determining when a feral cat caretaker may be criminally liable is a complex issue that has not been extensively addressed. You can find tips by referring to our factsheet How to Find Laws that Relate to Cats.. If you feed cats on public property, people might see what you are doing. This site is maintained for the Illinois General Assembly Their behavior can range from fearful and wary of people to friendly and open to human interaction. If there are any mistakes, do not consent to the officer entering your property. Roaming cats fall in this category. The trial court granted summary judgment for the defendants, but the appellate court rejected the trial courts analysis of the plaintiffs nuisance claim. See id. Although the plaintiffs attempted to trap the cats and bring them to animal control, the animal shelter ultimately told the plaintiffs that the shelter did not have room to house any more cats. By identifying particular, positive programssuch as TNR programsand explicitly exempting participants from the definition of owner, Illinois attempts to ensure that (1) fear of potential liability does not create a disincentive to participate in such a program, and (2) other individuals who might qualify as caretakers or keepers are held responsible for the actions. Feral Cats | FWC - Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission 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. ; Slater, M.R. However, caregivers often consent to these requests because they dont know they have the option to say no.. Oryx 2010, 44, 2029. 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. A 1993 survey conducted in Santa Clara County, California, found that only about 7% of residents made efforts to sterilize unowned, free-roaming cats despite the fact that 62% of the cats were being fed in residents yards. . Local Laws & Ordinances for Roaming Cats Near You - Alley Cat Allies The town ordinance required [e]very person responsible for an animal located within the City to ensure that such animal . You want to have all the information so you can provide it to your attorney later. Remember to follow best practices when caring for community cats. CA - Cats - Consolidated Cat Laws | Animal Legal & Historical Center 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. It is certainly plausible, then, that a feral cat caretaker in Virginia could be required to comply with the same requirements imposed on owners of domestic cats. Feral cats will stay in any area where food is plentiful. In some communities, animal control is the responsibility of the police department or code enforcement, while other communities may contract with private businesses or shelters for animal control. Third, the article discusses the ways in which feral cat keepers or caretakers may be exposed to criminal liability for abandonment, neglect, or failure to comply with state or local animal ownership requirements.