Illegal to feed Ferals.

lilleah

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I just found out today in the paper that in my county, it is Illegal to feed stray and feral cats. If you are caught feeding unknown cats, you get a $100.00 fine. And have to go to court.

What the HECK?! I didnt know that. Is this common in most states or counties?
 

arlyn

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I've never heard of it before, but by the same token, isn't Wisconsin the state that wants legalized cat hunts?
 
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lilleah

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Originally Posted by Arlyn

I've never heard of it before, but by the same token, isn't Wisconsin the state that wants legalized cat hunts?
Yes, it is actually. I dont think it went through though.
 

arlyn

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It probably didn't go through, so this would be just another step at an ignorant means of controlling them.
 

mark kumpf

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Our city prohibits feeding feral cats or strays without a Feral Cat Caregiver permit. Its a misdemeanor that carries a fine for violation.

From section 6-53 of our city code.
Except as provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to provide food, water, or other forms of sustenance and care to feral cats, unless such person is a resident of Newport News and has been designated as and is currently appointed a caregiver by the ACO.

City residents desiring to provide food, water and other forms of sustenance and care to feral cats in Newport News shall annually apply to the ACO to be designated as a caregiver, and every person so designated shall comply with the provisions of this section throughout their term of appointment. There is no fee associated with applying for this designation.



Newport News Virginia
 

ktlynn

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lilleah-
I don't know how common it is across the country, but I have heard of other places that try to prohibit feeding homeless cats - just another inhumane way of "dealing" with ferals. However, anyone who begins to feed ferals must realize two things: feeding without getting the cats spay/neutered is NOT helping them, and the cats will come to depend on the person for food. One can't simply stop feeding.

Are there feral cats you are currently feeding, or are thinking about caring for? If so, I suggest you contact Alley Cat Allies for advice about the situation in your county.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by Mark Kumpf

Our city prohibits feeding feral cats or strays without a Feral Cat Caregiver permit. Its a misdemeanor that carries a fine for violation.

From section 6-53 of our city code.
Except as provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to provide food, water, or other forms of sustenance and care to feral cats, unless such person is a resident of Newport News and has been designated as and is currently appointed a caregiver by the ACO.

City residents desiring to provide food, water and other forms of sustenance and care to feral cats in Newport News shall annually apply to the ACO to be designated as a caregiver, and every person so designated shall comply with the provisions of this section throughout their term of appointment. There is no fee associated with applying for this designation.



Newport News Virginia
Mark....I would assume however that if someone was unaware of the law and was actively working on TNR...the county would work with the caretaker to obtain a permit.

lilleah...unfortunately I have seen blank policies along these lines cropping up all over the USA. Unlike the one that Mark is mentioning where the city will allow feral caretakers who obtain permits, most of these counties just have a no feeding policy in place regardless if TNR is being conducted. I truly believe it is an ineffective tool as you are punishing those individuals who would provide proper care (TNR) along with those who would simply feed. I agree with KTLynn....contact Alley Cat Allies.

http://www.alleycat.org/
 

touro1979

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I would think it would be impossible to prove that the cats are not yours. All you would have to say is that they are your outdoor cats. How the heck are they going to prove otherwise.
 

squirtle

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Originally Posted by touro1979

I would think it would be impossible to prove that the cats are not yours. All you would have to say is that they are your outdoor cats. How the heck are they going to prove otherwise.
But in most places, isn't it illegal to allow your animals to be outside without a leash? If they are being petty enough to try and fine you on feeding a feral, if you were to admit to it being yours to avoid that fine, surely they would fine you on the leash law.
 

jenny82

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I just posted an article on this happening in Iowa. I had never heard of it either.
 

christy becker

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Yep! Both happened to me when I lived in Georgia and it's BEYOND stupid as far as I am concerned. I'd do it all again too
 

dandila

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It is hard to say that they are your cats when you are feeding 50 that hang out behind an empty shopping mall.  I am so glad the county where I live is supporting the TNR bandwagon.  And the leash law thing cracks me up.  Cats are not dogs and should not be regulated as such.  Plus, how are they supposed to be helpful to humans by performing rodent control at the end of a leash?
 

david68

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There is a concerted effort by The American Bird Conservancy (aka Satan, in my book) to try to outlaw feral cats everywhere. The Audobon Society is involved as well. They want to round up and kill all outdoor cats, feral or not, and punish anyone who tries to care for them. That's part of the story of how Alley Cat Allies came to exist--to fight on the side of the cats.

When I saw you were in Florida - - that explains a big part of it. The ABC has made big inroads with Wildlife Management/Fish & Game officials in Florida. (This is part of their strategy nationwide--to infiltrate Wildlife Management organizations with people who support their agenda.) Some of the worst stories I've heard about anti-feral cat laws have come out of Florida.

Some cat advocates have called the more extreme ABC supporters a "bird cult," and I don't think they're far off the mark. They have a quasi-religious devotion to their cause. In fact, I've done some research tracing the development of this very insular community of birders back at least a hundred years. One of their basic principles is that anything that could ever kill one of the birds they love (generally songbirds, not vultures, etc...) must be destroyed. The scary part is that the birders are extremely well-funded.

This is one case where it's good to know your enemy because they are out there working against us every day. Vigilance is necessary.
 

feralkat

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Laws are heartless. I would TNR them and keep right on feeding them!!
 
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