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Laws & Ordinances
As the number of households with domestic cats and number of caretakers of feral cat colonies continues to rise, it is important to be cognizant of applicable laws and ordinances governing cats. It is vital to comply with the laws governing free-roaming (owned, stray or feral) cats. Otherwise, caretakers with the utmost best intentions may be fined or even have criminal charges filed. Philadelphia Community Cats Council complies with all local city, county and state laws and ordinances pertaining to cats. All cats who are TRNM'd must be LEFT-eartipped (no notches). Coloniesare required to have a dedicated caretaker who continues providing food, water, and shelter DAILY as well as medical monitoring. This is a strict requirement as cats are protected under the PA Animal Cruelty Statute. To release a cat without a caretaker constitutes Abandonment and a violation of the Statute.All cats MUST be currently vaccinated against rabies as required by Philadelphia city ordinance. > PHILADELPHIA COUNTY §10-103. Licensing and Rabies Vaccination Note: Also see Against Cat Licensing by Richard Avanzino & Pam Rockwell §10-105. Animals Committing Nuisances. At present, there is NO Philadelphia ordinance against feeding cats, only pigeons.HOWEVER<, city Ordinance 10-105 Animals Committing Nuisances can be cited. If you are feeding stray or feral cats, it is in the cats’ best interest that it is done in a responsible, inconspicuous manner and not on someone else’s private property or on public property without first obtaining written permission. Most importantly, the area is kept clean and free of litter. ABOVE ALL, the cats must be neutered and vaccinated. See the “Keeping Neighbors Happy” section of Alley Cat Allies resources. PHILADELPHIA STATE Dog Law Article IX-A of the Dog Law addresses sterilization of both dogs and cats (p 43, sec 901A). The law applies to shelters, humane organizations and “other similar entity” (i.e. rescue groups)that release a dog or cat for adoption and requires the entity to ensure that only a spayed or neutered animal is adopted out or to charge a refundable deposit upon proof of sterilization from a veterinarian. It is strongly recommended that all animals are sterilized PRIOR to adoption and that an adoption fee is obtained. This decreases the resources required for follow-up sterilization. The required deposit by law is quite low, $25, and does not create that great of an incentive to have the animal sterilized. When sterilization prior to adoption is not possible, many groups now require a deposit equal to the cost of sterilization, for example $100, creating a nearly 100% compliance rate in the adopted animals being sterilized. Cruelty to Animals Transportation of Pets
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