On February 25, Director of Intergovernmental Relations delivered testimony on behalf of Karrington Anderson in opposition to HB 912 – Local Government – Trap-Neuter-Return Policies for Community Cats – Requirements and Restrictions (Ash’s Law).
Under the bill, a local law establishing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) policy may not require any registration or certification process for a community cat caregiver.
This legislation would broadly preempt local authority by prohibiting caregiver registration requirements and superseding local ordinances that regulate or structure Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) practices.
While counties share the goal of promoting humane community cat management and recognize TNR as an effective tool in many contexts, a statewide mandate that eliminates reasonable oversight mechanisms would disrupt established programs and remove key accountability measures. A balanced approach should advance humane outcomes while preserving local flexibility to design and administer programs that reflect community-specific realities. MACo is working with both the House and Senate sponsors on amendments to address county concerns by providing flexibility in how local governments manage TNR policies.
Local governments are best positioned to balance animal welfare,
public health, nuisance complaints, and environmental impacts in their communities. MACo appreciates the intent to promote humane community cat management and is actively working with bill sponsors and advocates to address county concerns.
