Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 5/22/2010

Question
Hi. This is going to be a different type of question.
I have a 3 yr old female cat. She has been spayed and had all her shots.
Now I know that as a pet owner I have a right and/or responisibility to protect her and keep her safe.
Now here's the tricky part. How far can I go with that?
There's a male cat that has been hanging around here. He has NOT been neutered and there is no LAW making the owner do it, or leash him. But he comes around and tries to mate My 3 yr old!
Now I have called the animal control and she said she'd talk to the owner.
SO.. Am I allowed to trap this male and take him to the humane society myslef? What AM I allowed to do? Can the owner be forced to do anything?

Answer
Free-ranging cats is a serious and problematic issue in the U.s. Unfortunately, the cat lobby is extremely powerful and will fight any requirement that says cats must remain on one's own property.
I suggest talking to your animal control officer about the law in your area.