HB 3604
Establishes a defense to prosecution for theft, and immunity from civil liability, for an entity that takes possession of, keeps or disposes of a cat as provided in the Act.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
92%
Oppose
8%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates legal protections for animal rescue agencies and their employees when they take possession of, keep, or dispose of cats. It establishes a defense against theft and animal abandonment charges for these entities if they comply with specific requirements outlined in the Act. Additionally, it provides immunity from civil liability for actions taken under these provisions, ensuring that animal rescue organizations can operate with reduced legal risk.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘animal holding agency’ as a nonprofit organization with a physical location open to the public.
- Establishes a defense to theft charges for animal holding agencies that comply with the Act when taking possession of a cat.
- Creates a defense to animal abandonment charges for animal holding agencies that return a cat to its original location in accordance with the Act.
- Requires animal holding agencies to notify the cat’s owner within a specified timeframe if the cat is found to be unowned.
- Sets a minimum holding period for cats (3 or 5 business days, depending on identification status).
- Mandates that animal holding agencies provide necessary medical care and preventative health care to cats during their possession.
- Allows animal holding agencies to euthanize a cat if a veterinarian determines it’s necessary and reasonable steps to notify the owner have been taken.
- Requires animal holding agencies to maintain records related to the cats they take possession of.
Who is affected
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3604 emphasize the need for resources to address the growing stray cat problem in Oregon, citing Marion County as a specific area of concern. They argue that the bill provides critical legal protections to nonprofit animal rescue organizations, empowering them to continue their work without fear of penalty. Proponents highlight the human and feline impact of current policies, including the refusal of shelters to accept stray cats due to liability concerns, and advocate for changes that would enable shelters to work together again and facilitate the rehoming of stray cats. By establishing a legal framework for stray cats, supporters believe the bill will improve the treatment and welfare of these animals, while also supporting the vital services provided by animal rescue organizations in Oregon.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Some concerns that the proposed legislation may inadvertently harm outdoor cat populations in areas without existing protective measures, potentially resulting in reduced reunification rates and increased confusion among the feline community. They argue that the bill's lack of specific provisions for counties without existing safeguards could lead to unintended consequences, such as decreased adoption rates or increased euthanasia rates due to mistaken identity. Additionally, some that the bill's focus on indoor cat registration may inadvertently perpetuate a culture of pet ownership that prioritizes human convenience over animal welfare.