Yes, feeding stray cats is legal in Tennessee, but local governments and animal welfare agencies impose specific restrictions to balance public health, nuisance concerns, and animal welfare. Tennessee’s 2023 Animal Welfare Act empowers counties and municipalities to regulate feeding activities through ordinances, with Nashville-Davidson County and Shelby County implementing the most stringent controls. Failure to comply may result in citations or mandatory participation in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
Key Regulations for Feeding Stray Cats in Tennessee
- Local Permit Requirements: Several counties, including Shelby and Knox, mandate permits for feeding stray or feral cats in unincorporated areas. Permits often require proof of TNR participation, vaccination records, and site inspections by animal control.
- Prohibited Locations: Feeding on public property (e.g., parks, sidewalks) is banned in Memphis (Shelby County) and Nashville unless conducted under an approved TNR program. Violations may trigger fines up to $500.
- Sanitation and Nuisance Protocols: Tennessee’s 2024 Public Health Code (T.C.A. § 68-1-104) requires feeders to remove waste, prevent food scattering, and address complaints within 48 hours. Non-compliance may lead to mandatory cleanup orders or feeding bans.
Local animal control agencies (e.g., Nashville Metro Animal Services, Memphis Animal Services) enforce these rules, often collaborating with nonprofit TNR organizations like Alley Cat Allies. Feeding without adherence to local ordinances may be deemed a public nuisance under Tennessee’s 2025 Municipal Code Amendments, risking legal action. Always verify county-specific rules before initiating feeding programs.