Exeter Municipal Code Ch. 6.22 Trap-Neuter-Return (tnr) Program for Feral and Community Cats

The City of Exeter recognizes that unmanaged feral cat populations pose public health, environmental, and nuisance concerns. The city supports the humane reduction of these populations through a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, in partnership with animal care professionals and the community.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

A. "Feral cat" means a free-roaming cat that is not socialized to humans and typically lives outdoors without direct human supervision.

B. "Community cat" means a feral or free-roaming cat that may or may not be cared for by one or more residents in a neighborhood.

C. "TNR program" means a program in which feral or community cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, ear-tipped for identification, and returned to the location from which they were captured.

D. "Caretaker" means person or group who provides regular food, water, or shelter to a community cat but does not necessarily claim ownership.

E. "Ear-tipping" means the removal of the distal one-quarter of a cat's left ear while under anesthesia, used to indicate sterilization and vaccination.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)

A. The City of Exeter authorizes the implementation of a TNR program to humanely manage feral and community cat populations. The program may be administered directly by the city or through an agreement with an animal control provider, other municipality, or nonprofit rescue organization.

B. Any person may participate in the TNR program provided they do so in accordance with this chapter and any rules issued by the administering agency.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)

A. Feral or community cats may be trapped using humane live traps only.

B. Trapping shall only occur for the purposes of sterilization, vaccination, or relocation if medically necessary.

C. Cats shall be returned to the original location unless the site is deemed unsafe or unsuitable by the animal control provider or veterinarian.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)

Cats that are ear-tipped and returned to the community as part of an approved TNR program shall not be considered abandoned or subject to licensing requirements under this title.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)

A. While not considered the legal owner, a caretaker who intentionally provides food or shelter to community cats is encouraged to:

1. Cooperate with sterilization efforts;

2. Ensure feeding does not attract vermin or create a public nuisance; and

3. Avoid feeding during daytime hours in high-traffic areas.

B. Caretakers shall not be subject to fines or penalties for maintaining community cats in compliance with this chapter.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)

A. Nothing in this chapter prohibits the city or its authorized agents from addressing situations where feral cats create verified public health hazards, destroy property, or pose a risk to wildlife.

B. In cases where nuisance complaints arise, the city may attempt mitigation with the caretaker or trap and relocate the animals if necessary.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)

It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly:

A. Harm or kill an ear-tipped community cat participating in a TNR program;

B. Remove an ear-tipped cat from its location without authorization;

C. Release an unsterilized feral cat not part of an approved TNR program.

(Ord. No. 717, § 2, 1-13-2026)