1. (1) A cat received by a shelter under the provisions of Section 11-46-103 may be released prior to the five-day holding period to a sponsor that operates a community cat program.

2. (2) A community cat is:

   1. (a) exempt from licensing requirements and feeding bans; and
   2. (b) eligible for release from an animal shelter prior to the mandatory five-day hold period in Section 11-46-103.
3. (3) Community cat sponsors or caretakers do not have custody, as defined in Section 76-13-202, of any cat in a community cat colony. Cats in a colony that are obviously owned, as evidenced by a collar, tags, microchip, or other discernable owner identification, are not exempt from the provisions of Title 76, Chapter 13, Offenses Involving Cruelty to Animals.
4. (4) Sterilization and vaccination records shall be maintained for a minimum of three years and be available to an animal control officer upon request.

Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session