Manchester Legislator Proposes State Cat Licensing

MANCHESTER, CT — A law requiring cats to be licensed in Connecticut? A Manchester legislator said it is at least worth thinking about.

"We in Connecticut are searching for alternate sources of revenue, so we ca at least look into it," state Rep. Kelly Luxenberg, D-12, said on Wednesday. "We license dogs, so why not consider cats?"

In addition to being a revenue source, licensing could provide a tool to better administer rabies vaccination requirements and maybe even control the feral cat population animal control officers and shelters are always tying to keep up with, she said.

Luxenberg said cat licensing law has been implemented in Houston and Long Beach, CA.

The proposal is officially known as House Bill 5874 and has been referred to the Environment Committee.

The stated purpose is, "to require the licensing of cats in the same manner as the licensing of dogs."

Luxenberg admitted the bill is "not my top priority," and mention women's health issues and the crumbling home foundation epidemic in north central and eastern Connecticut as two that will generate more of her attention.

But Luxenberg said a constituent brought up the cat issue and she forwarded it to committee for further review.

Does she expect some scratches from cat owners?

"I'm sure not everyone is going to like it," she said. "But I think we can at least research it."

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel