Rescue groups for controlling feral dog and cat populations could see a significant breakthrough in South Dakota . Senate Bill 172 is progressing through the state legislature, which aims to grant legal protection for trap, neuter, and release (TNR) programs. The South Dakota Bill has already cleared the Senate and now awaits its final step before reaching Governor Kristi Noem’s desk.
Bill protecting feral dog rescue work advances in South Dakota
Senate Bill 172 seeks to authorize trap, neuter, and release (TNR) programs, as Siouxland Proud reports. It secured a 9-3 vote in the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 13. After successfully passing the Senate, the bill awaits deliberation on the House floor.
According to Republican Rep. Becky Drury, the bill is designed to assist organizations dedicated to capturing animals, spaying them , and subsequently releasing them. However, releasing feral cats or dogs currently contravenes state law, which prohibits any individual responsible for an animal’s care from neglecting, abandoning, or mistreating it.