Model TNR Ordinances now available from Neighborhood Cats

New resources for communities legislating Trap-Neuter-Return programs

October 22, 2010

As the practice of TNR advances throughout the U.S., an increasing number of municipalities are enacting ordinances to regulate local TNR programs.  In response, Neighborhood Cats, under the guidance of a licensed attorney, has drafted model ordinances which create an effective framework for implementing TNR on a community basis.  To further understanding of the legal issues involved, we authored two articles - one discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different types of TNR ordinances and provisions, and another on the implications of Freedom of Information Acts on TNR laws.  These resources, plus a listing by state of TNR ordinances currently in effect, can now be found on our TNR Ordinances page.

Resources now available include:

• A model ordinance for municipalities which have a private animal welfare nonprofit organizaton available to administer the local TNR program (a "sponsor-based" ordinance");
• A model ordinance for communities where no private group is available and the municipality will be the administrator of the TNR program (a "caretaker-based" ordinance");
• The article, Legalizing Trap-Neuter-Return: Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Types of TNR Ordinances;
• The article, Impact of Freedom of Information Acts on Trap-Neuter-Return Ordinances;
  
• Copies of current TNR ordinances in effect, listed by state.

Not all communities will need or desire to legislate TNR, but now for those who do wish to formally authorize and regulate their local programs, all they need can be found here on the Neighborhood Cats site.