H.B. 122 - Feral Cats

• Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds to the Department of Health for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to trap, neuter or spay, and release feral cats to their original locations.

• Authorizes the Department of Health to contract with non-profit organizations, charitable organizations, private entities, or public entities to implement the trap-neuter-return program.

• Addresses feral cat overpopulation statewide by identifying this approach as the most effective and humane method to control populations while stabilizing outdoor cat colonies.

• Cites feral cat impacts including public health risks, unchecked reproduction, predation of birds, and nuisance problems resulting from abandoned domestic cats.

• Takes effect July 1, 2017.