WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2535

Providing that certain portions of the crime of cruelty to animals do not apply to any person who catches a feral cat to provide vaccination, spaying or neutering and returns such cat back to the location where such cat is caught.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill exempts temporary cat catching for vaccination/neutering/spaying from animal cruelty laws, enabling Trap-Neuter-Return population management programs.

Rep. Daniel Hawkins, Rep. Chris Croft, and Rep. Tom Sawyer are appointed to replace Rep. Susan Humphries, Rep. Laura Williams, and Rep. Dan Osman on the Conference Committee
#animals #crimes #punishmentandcriminalprocedure
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2535

Legislative bill overview

HB 2535 creates a legal exemption to Kansas animal cruelty laws for people who temporarily catch feral cats for the purpose of spaying, neutering, or vaccinating them, provided the cats are returned to their original location. This facilitates Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, which are widely used to manage feral cat populations humanely.

Why is this important

TNR programs are evidence-based approaches to controlling feral cat populations without killing animals, reducing disease spread, and preventing future litters. Without explicit legal protection, volunteers and organizations running these programs face potential animal cruelty charges for temporarily handling cats, even though their intent is protective. This bill removes legal barriers to a public health strategy many municipalities support.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "feral" versus stray cats: The bill doesn't define what constitutes a feral cat, potentially creating ambiguity about when the exemption applies and leaving room for misuse
  • Return location concerns: Requiring cats be returned to the exact catch location may not address concerns about feral colonies in neighborhoods where residents want populations reduced or relocated
  • Implementation without oversight: The exemption lacks provisions for licensing, training requirements, or documentation standards for people conducting TNR activities, potentially allowing non-professional handling

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.