The following actions shall be permitted in the city as part of Trap-Neuter-Return:
(A) Trapping, for the sole purpose of sterilizing, vaccinating for rabies, and ear tipping community cats, in compliance with any applicable federal or state law, and under supervision of a licensed veterinarian, where applicable.
(B) An ear tipped cat received by animal services may be returned to the location where trapped unless veterinary care is required, or at the direction of the Shelter Manager. A trapped ear tipped cat may be released on site unless veterinary care is required, or at the discretion of an animal services officer.
(C) Community cat caregivers are empowered to reclaim impounded ear tipped community cats without proof of ownership solely for the purpose of carrying out Trap-Neuter- Return and/or returning ear tipped community cats to their original location.
(D) A person who returns a community cat to its original location while conducting Trap- Neuter-Return is not deemed to have abandoned the cat.
(E) Trap-Neuter-Return shall be the preferred disposition for impounded community cats. Animal services and the Harker Heights Pet Adoption Center are authorized and encouraged to conduct Trap- Neuter-Return or to direct impounded community cats to a Trap-Neuter-Return program.
(Ord. 2021-38, passed 8-24-21)