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Home / What We Do / Promote Humane Care / Programs / Every Kitty – Every City / Baltimore / Ordinance

Baltimore Trap-Neuter-Return Ordinance

In 2007, the City of Baltimore enacted into law one of the country’s best ordinances supporting Trap-Neuter-Return and feral cats. Alley Cat Allies and a broad coalition of local residents and humane organizations—including caregivers, public health officials, and animal shelters—worked together over a period of years to build citywide support for Trap-Neuter-Return.

Alley Cat Allies generally advises against legislating TNR, since the act of TNR is completely legal. Even well-intentioned ordinances can cause more harm than good, because they may inappropriately penalize caregivers with fines or make it possible to continue to impound cats who are not in a sanctioned colony.

In particular the Baltimore ordinance can serve as a model for other jurisdictions looking to define key terms more accurately and in a way that supports citizens’ Trap-Neuter-Return efforts. The ordinance makes things better for cats, caregivers, and the community alike.

So what do we like about this ordinance?

  • It defines “feral cats” correctly—as a member of the species Felis catus (the very same species as a pet cat) who is unsocialized to humans.
  • It makes clear that a feral cat caregiver, although providing care to feral cats, is not the “owner” of feral cats.
  • It also clarifies that the “return” in Trap-Neuter-Return is not abandonment.
  • It recognizes eartipping as a sign that a feral cat has been neutered and vaccinated against rabies.
  • It allows Trap-Neuter-Return to be an approved program for feral cats in Baltimore.

Remember, if your community is looking to put into place a policy that is in the best interest of cats, ordinances legislating TNR are not necessarily the way to go. Alley Cat Allies recommends implementing community-endorsed programs that support cats, such as affordable, accessible spay-neuter and community outreach and education about the best options for feral cats.

Read the ordinance. 
Read more about Alley Cat Allies' involvement.