Question
We recently had a cat that was both an indoor and outdoor cat. He was neutered, had a microchip, and front declawed (which is how we acquired him). One of our neighbors claims he participates in TNR and caught our cat once. We heard him meowing, and our neighbor rudely returned him, showing little enthusiasm. We recently lost our cat, and he never ran off. He wasn't hit by a car, and we believe nobody found him despite the chip. We are certain our neighbor caught him somewhere. Is scanning for a chip required in TNR? Or is this considered animal theft?
Answer
I am very sorry to hear about your cat. Cats are safer indoors, particularly cats who have been declawed. They lack the ability to defend themselves.
Texas law states: “As soon as practicable after an animal is placed in the custody of an animal shelter or a releasing agency as defined by Section 828.001, including an animal rescue organization, the shelter, agency, or organization shall scan the animal to determine whether a microchip is implanted in the animal.” It is illegal to steal an animal, abandon an animal, or mistreat an animal. If there is evidence that a person stole, abandoned, or mistreated your cat, contact the police, SPCA (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals), animal control, and other local entities that enforce animal protection laws.
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.
Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!
Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.