The bill introduces new provisions regarding the management of feral cats in Alaska, specifically allowing for the release of community cats under certain conditions. According to the new section AS 03.55.080, individuals may release a community cat on the land from which it was originally taken, provided they have the landowner's approval. Furthermore, those who release community cats are exempt from state and municipal regulations concerning the ownership and care of domestic animals, and such a release will not be considered abandonment. The bill also defines "community cat" as a feral cat that has been vaccinated for rabies, spayed or neutered, and has had its left ear tip removed.

Additionally, the bill amends AS 16.05.930 to clarify that the chapter does not prohibit the release of community cats as permitted under the new provisions. The definitions provided in the bill specify that a "feral cat" is an unowned domestic cat living in a wild state and unsocialized to human environments, while "landowner" encompasses state, municipal, and private landowners. These changes aim to facilitate the management of feral cat populations while ensuring the welfare of the animals involved.

Statutes affected:
HB0348A, AM HB 348, introduced 02/23/2026: 03.55.080, 03.55.095, 16.05.930