Olathe’s current code creates a dangerous legal trap.

Caring for a stray for over 72 hours can force 'legal ownership' on a resident, yet feeding that same cat can lead to heavy fines for 'enticing nuisance wildlife.

In Olathe Kansas, recent changes to local legislation are threatening the compassionate efforts of animal rescuers and pet lovers.

This sets a concerning precedent for those of us who are dedicated to helping stray and lost animals in our community. The current law dictates that if you feed a stray cat for just three days, you are legally deemed the "owner" of that cat.

While the intention might be to clarify ownership responsibilities, the implications are far-reaching and detrimental to community efforts. Under these regulations, kind-hearted individuals who offer temporary sanctuary to starving cats are subjected to fines and pet limits, restricting their ability to assist more animals in need.

This is particularly concerning when the local shelter is overwhelmed and unable to take in additional strays.

Animal rescuers across Olathe are directly impacted as these laws complicate their mission to care for and relocate strays to loving homes. Our local shelters are often full, and community members play an essential role in providing temporary care.

These laws discourage and penalize this altruistic behavior, leaving vulnerable animals without the support they desperately need.

Statistics from animal welfare organizations show that community involvement significantly reduces the number of stray animals and increases successful adoptions.

By inadvertently penalizing rescuers and good samaritans, these laws create barriers to resolving the very issue they aim to manage: the overpopulation of stray animals.

Furthermore, a formal Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) ordinance is a fiscally responsible solution for Olathe. By allowing residents to pay for the sterilization and vaccination of community cats out of their own pockets, the city saves thousands of dollars in animal control and sheltering costs.

This effectively manages the cat population and protects the city’s $25 million investment in the new animal shelter by keeping healthy, non-adoptable cats out of the facility. Managed TNR is the only proven way to reduce the number of cats over time while keeping our neighborhoods quiet and clean.

We urge the Olathe City Council to reconsider this legislation. Instead, we propose alternative measures such as permit-based feeding or temporary fostering agreements that acknowledge the temporary nature of community intervention. Such solutions can foster cooperation between local authorities and the community, ensuring that stray animals are cared for while reducing the burden on the shelter system.

The City Council's vote is imminent, and your support can make a significant difference. Stand with us to protect our community's animals and those who selflessly care for them. Sign this petition to urge the City Council to revise these laws and support a more compassionate and effective solution for Olathe's stray animals.

Because the same law that stops us from fixing cats is the law that could fine you for your bird feeder. We want a city code that makes sense for everyone

Update:

Following the February 3rd meeting, our TNR proposal is officially being reviewed by the City Legal Team. This is a huge step toward making a real change in Olathe!

Why your signature still matters: The city is working on it, but we aren't at the finish line yet.

We need to keep the momentum going to show our leaders that the community is still standing behind this.

Special Thanks to:

Dr. LeEtta Felter and Councilmember Dean Vakas for their interest and support in moving this forward.

Mayor John Bacon and the entire Council for hearing our voices.

Please keep signing and sharing! We are closer than ever.