Senate approves bill promoting cat communities

SALT LAKE CITY — Feral cats could be placed in community cat programs, rather than being euthanized, under a bill passed by the Senate Friday.

SB57 would allow a community cat program sponsor, such as a humane society or rescue organization, to return feral cats, after being sterilized and marked, to the place where they were found. 

The measure, which now moves to the House after passing the Senate 23-3, would also allow shelters to release cats immediately, leading to "substantial savings" to cities, according to the bill's sponsor, Sen. Doug Stowell, R-Parowan.

Shelters are currently required to hold animals for three days before they are euthanized. If HB273, a bill that the House approved Friday 41-28, becomes law, the holding period will be increased to five days.

That measure, sponsored by Rep. Jen Seelig, D-Salt Lake, now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

— Amanda Verzello