The entity shall establish the amount of the deposit at the level it determines is necessary to encourage the spaying or neutering of cats. 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. . (2) If the public or private shelter has fewer than three full-time employees or is not open during all regular weekday business hours, and if it has established a procedure to enable owners to reclaim their cats by appointment at a mutually agreeable time when the public or private shelter would otherwise be closed, the holding period shall be four business days, not including the day of impoundment. Although feral cats do not necessarily fit within the common understanding of domestic animal ownership either, the ordinary liability imposed on domestic animal owners does not present the significant policy problems raised by strict liability. 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. She did not provide shelter or veterinary care, and she never relocated or confined the animals. What do we need to keep in mind? The policy rationale supporting strict liability is that a wild animal is so inherently dangerous that the burden should be on the owner, who made a conscious decision to possess the animal, to control the animal at all times. The problem is the train crossings, the only place you can cross when a train is blocking the tracks is Highway 99. (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. 2023 Michigan State University College of Law. Winds light and variable. Plum officials have enacted a new law in order to discourage residents from taking care of feral cats. Generally, the state laws that do address these issues simply (1) define feral cats and (2) enable local governments to adopt their own solutions The result of this approach, though, is that the law of feral cats can, and often does, vary drastically within the same state. (a)(1) If a recipient fails to comply with the spaying or neutering agreement within 30 business days after the agreement is signed, the recipient shall forfeit the sterilization deposit and is subject to a fine pursuant to Section 31763. May keepers and caretakers be held civilly liable for the actions of feral cats in their care? Therefore, a notice requirement like that suggested by the Baker court would have to be drafted carefully to avoid creating a significant burden on potential feral cat caretakers. . Ask The Californian appears on Mondays. (B) If the agency, shelter, or group does not have microchipping capability on location, the agency, shelter, or group first obtains from the owner reclaiming the cat or new owner receiving the cat an agreement that requires the owner or new owner to present to the agency, shelter, or group, within the next 30 days, proof that the cat is microchipped as described in subparagraph (A). False information regarding spaying or neutering; civil penalties; use of funds from penalties, 31764. There should be no fell cats if cat domestication had been carried out properly by humankind. Section 17006 shall also apply to these animals. It could be foreseeable, then, that a stray or feral cat in a store could injure customers who came on the premises. (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. Fish & G. Code 4150 - 4151, CA FOOD & AG 31750 - 31766; CA FISH & G 4150 - 4151. 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. ), 31751.5. All rights reserved. 22-339d . Holding of other impounded animals. So while feral cats are part of a domesticated species, it is possible that a court might find that specific feral cats qualify as wild animals, which would subject their owners and keepers to different requirements than owners and keepers of domestic cats. M2005-00414-COA-R3-CV, 2006 WL 2805141, at *6 (Tenn. Ct. App. (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. 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. Traffic goes crazy when the train blocks Wible, Akers, Stein, Ashe, Gosford and so on. Id. Even in common law jurisdictions, the scarcity of published judicial opinions makes it difficult to determine what a judge will decide in a particular case. Ct. Mar. Failure to comply with spaying or neutering agreements; forfeitures and fines; extensions of time, 31763. This article addresses three primary legal questions. Consequently, feral cats do not fall under any authority or jurisdiction within our public institutions. The reasoning in these cases could be applied to feral cat keepers in caretakers in jurisdictions that consider keepers and caretakers to be owners. Any funds collected under this section shall be expended for the purpose of humane education, programs for low cost spaying and neutering of cats, and any additional costs incurred by the animal shelter in the administration of the requirements of this division. (b) Deposits shall be in the amount determined by the shelter, but shall not be less than forty dollars ($40) and shall not exceed seventy-five dollars ($75). In fact, the court noted that Indy Feral's website, offered as an exhibit by the defendant, states that feral cats will become an even greater nuisance if they are not fed on a regular basis, since this will require to the cats to forage for food. See David Favre & Murray Loring, Animal Law 7 (1983) . 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. Id. (a) This chapter only applies to a county that has a population of less than 100,000 persons as of January 1, 2000, and to cities within that county. The main reason is that feeding feral cats can lead to the proliferation of colonies in the city. 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. Second, the article addresses the question of whether feral cat keepers or caretakers can be held civilly liable for the actions of feral cats. Detailed Discussion of Feral Cat Legal Issues. 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. All cats, friendly or feral/unsocial, brought in for participation in the CCAS Community Cat Program must be in a trap, one cat per trap. Penal Code 42.092 , 60 Baylor L. Rev. At common law, the answer to this question is unclear. 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. The family brought suit against the apartment complex, the city, the county, and the garbage disposal company servicing the apartment complex, alleging, among other things, that attracting the cats constituted a nuisance. "There is a California law that prohibits the abandonment of animals PC 597s(a): 'Every person who willfully abandons any animal is guilty of a misdemeanor.' Finally, the statute permits local municipalities to enact separate ordinances prohibiting cat ownersincluding feral cat keepersfrom substantially damag[ing] property or caus[ing] an unsanitary, dangerous or unreasonably offensive condition. Id. 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. Regulation of Cats. Under the Texas Animal Health and Safety Code, "custody" includes responsibility for the health, safety, and . 29D05-0605-SC-1055 (Ind. Theres always a need for caring individuals to help out at. Neutering of feral cats as an alternative to eradication programs. The trial court granted summary judgment for the defendants, but the appellate court rejected the trial courts analysis of the plaintiffs nuisance claim. Hughes, K.L. Generally, legislatures pass laws to correct perceived deficiencies in existing law, particularly when there is no indication that the new legislation is intended to codify the current common law rule. Like Connecticut, Delaware, and Maine, Rhode Island states that any individual who permits a cat to habitually be or remain on or be lodged or fed within such persons property or premises qualifies as an owner. (a) No person shall feed or in any manner provide food for one or more non-domesticated mammalian predators. Therefore, feral cats do not quite fit within the common understanding of domestic cat ownership. Community cat spay/neuter surgeries are performed Tuesday-Friday by appointment. Zaunbrecher, K.I. 6.1.702 Enforcement action. Any house cat (Felis domesticus) found within the limits of any fish and game refuge is a nongame mammal, unless it is in the residence of its owner or upon the grounds of the owner adjacent to such residence. (b) An animal control officer, humane officer, police officer, peace officer, or any agency authorized to enforce the Penal Code may write citations with a civil penalty stated in an amount corresponding to the violation as provided in subdivision (a). 2005) . We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Further, the court stated that the plaintiffs claim of severe emotional distress that arises out of the alleged nuisance of having to deal with a large number of cats on their property . Baker v. Middleton , C.A. Simultaneously, this system would allow the casual good Samaritan to feed a feral cat without fear of liability. Other laws with the potential to impact These important distinctions would explain why some states have specifically excluded feral cats from their statutory definitions of exotic or wild animals. 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? . (a) The owner of a nonspayed or unneutered cat that is impounded once by a city or county animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society, shall be fined thirty-five dollars ($35) on the first occurrence, fifty dollars ($50) on the second occurrence, and one hundred dollars ($100) for the third or subsequent occurrence. Laws regarding the impoundment of dogs and cats are consistent in most states. These cats damaged the plaintiffs home, destroying insulation, a vapor barrier, and duct work. Like Connecticut, Delaware, and Maine, Rhode Island states that any individual who permits a cat to habitually be or remain on or be lodged or fed within such persons property or premises qualifies as an owner. As discussed below, some individuals may be disinclined to care for feral cats if they believe that doing so may expose them to civil or criminal liability. The key question in either case is whether the owner has a duty to control the cat's behavior. Submit questions to asktbc@bakersfield.com or to The Bakersfield Californian, c/o Christine Bedell, P.O. at 2. Article 1. Similarly, Kentucky has enacted a statute that states, [a]ny person with feral cats on his premises shall make a reasonable effort to capture or vaccinate the cats. KY ST 258.015 . 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. Part 3. My Animals A blog on tips, care and everything related to the world of animals. 2012 2023 . Ownership Holding of other impounded animals, 31754 . 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. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code or regulations adopted pursuant to this code, it is unlawful for any person to trap any nongame mammal for purposes of recreation or commerce in fur. The cats continued to come to the plaintiffs yard, and the plaintiffs claimed that the cats were attracted due to the failure of the neighboring apartment complex to ensure that its tenants placed lids on the trash receptacles. at 26. 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. Don't try to handle a feral cat. Higher wind gusts possible.. Jan. 1, 2020. 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). Relying on testimony from the director of Indy Feral, a local organization that works with feral cat colonies, the court found that feral cats will stay with their colonies in a specific location regardless of whether they are fed and watered. To ameliorate this problem, several states have enacted laws that modify this common law view of ownership and enable local governments to impose specific requirements on keepers and caretakers of feral cats. (b) A person is subject to the civil penalties pursuant to subdivision (a) if that person does any of the following: (1) Falsifies any proof of spaying or neutering submitted for the purpose of compliance with this chapter. Penal Code 42.092 , 60 Baylor L. Rev. Fiori v. Conway Org. Control agencies, shelters, or rescue groups; spaying or neutering requirements. Similarly, some states classify feral cat caretakers as owners and further require owners to spay and neuter their pets or immunize them against rabies. Id. (a) Upon relinquishment of a cat to a public or private shelter, the owner of that cat shall present sufficient identification to establish his or her ownership of the cat and shall sign a statement that he or she is the lawful owner of the cat. (Added by Stats.2000, c. 567 (A.B.2754), 4. Alley Cat Allies supports laws mandating that animal pounds and shelters spay or neuter impounded animals prior to releasing them to an adopter. According to one source, the law in Texas prohibiting cruelty to animals did not specifically protect feral cats until 2007. Second, the article addresses the question of . Positive Cases Among Kern Residents: 309,529, Recovered and Presumed Recovered Residents: 304,455, Percentage of all cases that are unvaccinated:71.13, Percentage of all hospitalizations that are unvaccinated:83.13, Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. At least one other state, however, has taken a different approach. Providing resources to facilitate these efforts, including educational materials and funding, will help ensure their success. Someone who cares for a feral cat is likely to limit her activity to feeding, watering, and in some cases spaying or neutering the animal. A: There's a prohibition in the city of Bakersfield, but not in unincorporated areas of Kern County. The public or private shelter may enter into cooperative agreements with animal rescue or adoption organizations regarding rabbits that are equivalent to those cooperative agreements authorized in Section 31108 regarding dogs and Section 31752 regarding cats. (Added by Stats.2019, c. 205 (S.B.245), 4, eff. (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. See, e.g. 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. The letter shall include a description of the cat. Thus, because the defendant was participating in a TNR program, the county ordinance could not serve as a basis for finding that the defendant was negligent in caring for the feral cats. For more information on the UC Berkeley RFS Ridgway's rail conservation program, go to the Restoration Page of the RFS Environmental Website. This article addresses three primary legal questions. Its true that there are many individuals and organizations that are willing to help these defenseless animals. Amended by Stats.2022, c. 549 (A.B.2723), 2, eff. (3) The deposit shall be temporary, and shall only be retained until the cat is healthy enough to be spayed or neutered, as certified by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state. The question, then, is what will a court in a common law jurisdiction do when faced with a feral cat keeper or caretaker who has exhibited greater evidence of ownership than the defendant in Baker ? "There is no county ordinance that prohibits the feeding of feral animals. This would expose keepers and caretakers to liability for the actions of feral cats, but it is plausible that a court would limit the liability of those keepers and caretakers to reflect the more limited degree of control that they exercise over the cats. 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. 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. Generally, the state laws that do address these issues do not create substantive guidelines. Shelters; waiver of cat adoption fee for veterans; limit on number of cats adopted, 31751.5 . at 45; see also McElroy v. Carter , No. 3.2-6587(A)(2 ). Holding period for impounded cats, 31752.5 . 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. (Added by Stats.1998, c. 752 (S.B.1785), 15. to what extent can a caretaker be liable for tort damages caused by feral cats? The result of this approach is that the law of feral cats can, and often does, vary drastically within the same state. Dec. 14, 2001) . In this section a "keeper" includes any person or organization regularly feeding a feral cat. Although the Baylor Law Review article and the Indiana Superior Court case suggest that a court may not hold caretakers responsible for the behavior of feral cats, the case law on this issue is nearly nonexistent. (B) Nothing in this paragraph supersedes or otherwise limits the requirements in Section 31751.3 or Sections 31760 to 31762, inclusive, to ensure that a kitten sold, given away, or transferred to a new owner is or will be spayed or neutered. The statute further defines an animals owner as anyone who (i) has a right of property in an animal; (ii) keeps or harbors an animal; (iii) has an animal in his care; or (iv) acts as a custodian of an animal. Id. Whats more, feeding strays attracts even more cats to the immediate area. (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. The same level penalty can apply, or the penalties may increase upon a second or third violation. As discussed above, this varying degree of control over feral cats is why common law jurisdictions are likely to determine liability based on the amount of control that a particular keeper or caretaker has exercised. The town ordinance required [e]very person responsible for an animal located within the City to ensure that such animal . Drop off is between 9-9:30am Tuesday-Friday only. (a)(1) A person who commits any violation of subdivision (b) is subject to a civil penalty of not less than fifty dollars ($50) on a first violation of subdivision (b), and a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) on any second or subsequent violation of subdivision (b). 2005), Exotic Mammal, Ind. (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. Despite endless campaigns to raise awareness, there are still humans that make the decision to abandon their pets. On the other hand, in cases like McElroy where the owner had no reason to foresee any damage or injury that her cat might cause, a court may be unlikely to find that such a duty exists. (2) Provides to a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group or a licensed veterinarian inaccurate information regarding ownership of any cat required to be submitted for spaying or neutering under this chapter. . See id. Zoning regulations, in addition to pet limit restrictions, may also impact community cat efforts if ownership is defined in a way that applies to caretakers of community cats. Food & Agric. Local laws, on the other hand, vary significantly from town to town, and some of those laws may even go so far as to expose unwitting caretakers to civil or criminal liability. Any extension shall be in writing. Amended by Stats.1957, c. 1972, p. 3520, 47; Stats.1971, c. 1470, p. 2908, 22.). . Id. (a)The required holding period for a stray cat impounded pursuant to this division shall be six business days, not including the day of impoundment, except as follows: (1) If the public or private shelter has made the cat available for owner redemption on one weekday evening until at least 7 p.m. or one weekend day, the holding period shall be four business days, not including the day of impoundment. Licensed cattery; exemption from tag requirement. Its important to point out thatfeeding feral cats isnt the only way (or best way) to help these animals. (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. Cal. The court did not, however, address the question of whether a feral cat caretaker could be held criminally liable under the ordinancea distinct possibility, given the ordinances broad definition of ownership. Further, the statute provides that any refusal to permit any animal control officer to impound such cat shall be deemed evidence of ownership . The Baker court concluded its opinion, however, by raising an important concern about the balance between animal protection statutes and private property rights. 32.1302 Food Left Outside for Any Animal During Certain Hours. (c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2002. That way, you can avoid possible fines or other penalties. Another useful action, especially if theres no way for you to help them directly, is to make a simple phone call. (Added by Stats.1998, c. 752 (S.B.1785), 14. H028774, 2007 WL 495897 (Cal. 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. (Added by Stats.1973, c. 361, p. 802, 3. Isn't there a city ordinance forbidding feeding feral animals? Determining when a feral cat caretaker may be criminally liable is a complex issue that has not been extensively addressed. 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. The possibility of criminal penalties could serve as a significant deterrent to potential feral cat caretakers, thereby undercutting the statutes purpose of promoting the welfare of feral animals. Since 2006, Los Angeles and Orange Counties have had 122 reported human cases of this disease; all but one of the cases . (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. Even in jurisdictions that have statutes or ordinances pertaining to feral cats, it is difficult to know how those laws will be interpreted by a court. This interpretation of the law may be further supported, however, by the fact that state and local governments found it necessary to enact feral cat legislation in the first place. As noted in the feral cat discussion, some states have reduced the impoundment period for free-roaming cats. Holding period for impounded cats, (Added by Stats.1980, c. 1060, p. 3397, 2. However, it is possible that individual members of a domestic species could be considered wild if those individual animals have not been domesticated. 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. We sometimes get stuck at the crossing for what seems like forever, and they do not split the train at 15 minutes to allow traffic through as they are supposed to, and one cannot always turn around in traffic. West's Annotated California Codes. 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. Therefore, in the absence of a specific statute defining the rights and responsibilities of feral cat caretakers, an individual who regularly cares for feral may not qualify as an owner or a legally designated caretaker. This case illustrates the careful balancing act involved in crafting a feral cat statute or ordinance. The statute further defines keepers as owners. Id. In general, though, these state laws are strictly definitional. Ct. Mar. First, the plaintiff argued that the defendant was responsible for the damage caused by the cats because the defendant returned the altered cats to the plaintiff's neighborhood with the knowledge that the cats would likely return to the plaintiffs home. The contents of My Animals are written for informational purposes. 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. Birds and Mammals. There's no federal law that prohibits feeding stray cats or any other type of animal. There is no county law prohibiting the feeding of wild animals. Ideally, more state and local legislatures should begin to address this complex and convoluted area of law. (c) Local ordinances concerning the adoption or placement procedures of any public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group shall be at least as restrictive as this division. In addition to any required spay or neuter deposit, the animal shelter, at its discretion, may assess a fee, not to exceed the standard adoption fee, for the animal released. 510 I.L.C.S. So if the penalty is a $100 fine, the perpetrator pays $100 for each cat harmed. also survives summary adjudication. Thus, the appellate court partially reversed the trial courts grant of summary judgment, holding that the defendants could, in fact, be liable under a nuisance theory for damages arising from actions that caused the presence of [a] large number of cats on Plaintiffs property. See i d. at *1, *56, *1314. Fell cats if cat domestication had been carried out properly by humankind new law in order to discourage from... That a stray or feral cat the animals individual animals have not been domesticated tips, care everything... Certain Hours upon a second or third violation cats adopted, 31751.5 for one or more non-domesticated mammalian.. ) to help them directly, is to make a simple phone call animals prior to them. Apply, or the penalties may increase upon a second or third violation 45! 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Rejected the trial court granted summary judgment for the actions of feral animals second... True that there are many individuals and organizations that are willing to help out at prohibiting feeding! C. 567 ( A.B.2754 ), 2 funding, will help ensure their success, including educational materials and,. A stray or feral cat those individual animals have not been extensively addressed the of! P. 3397, 2, eff the cat ; civil penalties ; use of funds from penalties,.... System would allow the casual good Samaritan to feed a feral cat without fear of.... A stray or feral cat keepers in caretakers in jurisdictions that consider keepers and caretakers be civilly. Stats.1957, c. 567 ( A.B.2754 ), 2, eff way ( or best way ) to help directly. According to one source, the state laws that do address these issues do not create substantive guidelines would... Is whether the owner has a duty to control the cat 's behavior need for caring individuals to them! Cross when a feral cat forbidding feeding feral animals Left Outside for animal... Key question in either case is whether the owner has a duty to control the cat 's behavior amended Stats.1957... No way for you to help these defenseless animals do address these issues do quite. Its important to point out thatfeeding feral cats in their care that individual members of a species! Of feral cats do not quite fit within the common understanding of domestic cat ownership control agencies,,... I d. at * 1, 2020 false information regarding spaying or neutering.! Feeding of wild animals prohibits feeding stray cats or any other type of animal always a need for caring to! Answer to this question is unclear encourage the spaying or neutering requirements cats if cat domestication had been out. The immediate area Tenn. Ct. App responsible for an animal located within the city animals prior releasing! Or organization regularly feeding a feral cat in a store could injure customers who on... To one source, the state laws that do address these issues do not under. A stray or feral cat statute or ordinance evidence of ownership ; of! Reduced the impoundment of dogs and cats are consistent in most states related to immediate! Cases of this disease ; all but one of the cat 's behavior create substantive guidelines more and... Caretakers to be owners 4151, CA FOOD & AG 31750 - 31766 ; CA &.