Cat Health & Welfare

Local Cat Issues

ALERT: Title 17, Anchorage's Animal Control laws have been rewritten. With the changes from the legal department even members the Anchorage Animal Control Advisory Board are not happy with large sections of the ordinance (see Anchorage Daily News article). The orginial understanding was that after this came back from legal the public would have a chance for public comment before it went to the Assembly. This understanding was thrown out the door by Municipal employees. As a result the public has been bypassed in public input on the changes from legal. Our only recourse is to talk to our Assembly members.

DRAFT COPY: 8/21/01 Draft of the revised Title 17 in PDF or Word Format (approx. 67 pages). [Get Adobe Acrobat].

This version includes licensing of CATS under the guise of "Rabies Licensing" at $6 per year. Rabies are already required by State law. We do not need additional laws covering rabies licensing. No animal control contractor has made a serious effort to educate and inform the public about the existing leash law that applies to cats. Cat licensing will do nothing other than generate revenue for the general fund. Another tax to add money to the Municipality.

There are arguments for and against cat licensing. Please read Alaskats Position Paper on Cat Licensing.

Also read the position of the National Animal Interest Alliance Trust (NAIA) on cats, cat licensing and animal limits.

Before it went to legal, the version of Title 17 proposed limit on the number of cats or dogs you can have. If you have more than 5 cats or dogs, or a combination of 8, you must have a multi-animal license. Be sure to read about the Pennsylvania Court Strikes Down Ordinance Limiting Number of Cats Per Residence.

Remember as Title 17 is revised it will go to your assembly. Please remember to contact your assembly members and let them know your views!