Dogs and Cats; abandoning dogs or cats prohibited; criminal penalty for violating provided

HB 249 prohibits the abandonment of dogs and cats, directly affecting pet owners and animal welfare. The bill defines "abandon" as entirely forsaking or leaving a dog or cat without providing minimum reasonable care. It establishes abandonment as a Class A misdemeanor, providing criminal penalties for violations. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement can intervene in cases of abandonment and includes an exception for the humane practice of trap-neuter-release for feral cats.