Committee hears bill to clarify law on trap-neuter-release for feral cats

House Bill 5025 would criminalize releasing animals into the wild and explicitly allow trap-neuter-release (TNR) of feral cats, sponsors told the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 4. Representative Edwards said Tiverton and other border communities face dumped and feral-cat populations and that the bill would allow trappers to neuter and return feral cats to public areas rather than keeping them in captivity.

Edwards said the measure is aimed at preventing breeding and protecting birds and small wildlife, and that Tiverton town council had sent a letter in support. He identified Senator Melissa Murray as the Senate sponsor and described the bill as a narrow change to clarify existing practice for feral cats.

Department of Environmental Management (DEM) provided written comments recommending that language be added to make clear that trapping on private property requires the property owner’s permission; Edwards indicated he was open to clarifying amendments but said most trapping occurs on public land such as Fort Barton Woods.

There were no votes on the bill during the hearing. The committee concluded testimony on HB 5025 after hearing from the sponsor and a supporting letter from Tiverton’s town council.