New 2013 Pet and Animal Laws

While legislators were waging a fierce eleventh-hour battle to prevent the country from going over the fiscal cliff last weekend, a handful of elected officials in several states managed to pass a few laws which will affect the lives of pets, domestic and wild animals, and even some sharks in 2013.

Pet Cat Limit

According to ABC News, anyone in Wellington, Kansas  who is seeking the title of “crazy cat lady” will no longer be able to have her wish granted, since as of January 1, 2013 the city has restricted the number of cats permitted to be kept in a household to four. There was no set limit on the number of cats allowed in a household prior to this new regulation. The pet law now matches the existing limit that was set on dog ownership.

The law that limited the number of cats was put into effect after 231 cats were sent to animal clinics in 2012, according to Tracy Heath, Wellington’s Police Chief. Heath told the Wellington Daily News, “Those are cats that go to the animal clinic, they’re there for the allotted time and then, unfortunately, they are euthanized.”

While this law may, on the surface seem feline friendly, this writer wonders about the impact it will make on folks who are fostering homeless kitties awaiting placement into their permanent loving homes.

Banning the Use of Dog Packs For Hunting

In California, following the passage of a bill by state legislators prohibiting hunters from using packs of dogs to chase bobcats and black bears, this method of hunting is now against the law. Senator Ted Lieu, D-Torrance commented after the vote, “There is nothing sporting in slaughtering an exhausted bear clinging to a tree limb or shooting a cornered bobcat.” While this new law that went into effect on January 1 offers protection for bobcats and black bears, dogs may continue to be used in the sport of bird hunting.

Stringent Penalties For Feral Hog Releases

The great state of Kentucky crafted legislation which will more stringently penalize anyone caught releasing feral hogs into the wilderness. Agricultural experts consider this legislation crucial because the abounding feral pig population in Kentucky poses a threat to natural habitats, farmland and human health.

Shark Fin Ban

An all-embracing law banning the distribution, sale or trade of shark fins was passed in Illinois. The legislation which refines Chicago’s Fish and Aquatic Life Code outlaws the contentious act of harvesting shark fins. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D- Chicago.

So when it comes to the protection and welfare of animals, did 2012 come in like a lamb and go out like a lion? What do you think? Tell us in a comment.