Bensalem, PA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Section 80-19 lays out why the Township regulates cats this way: stray and feral cats create noise, trespass on public and private land, kill native songbirds and other animals, live in unsanitary conditions that spread disease, and breed fleas, lice and ticks, though the Township also recognizes a properly managed colony as a humane way to reduce those populations over time. Feeding any stray or feral cat is unlawful under Section 80-21(a) unless the caretaker is enrolled in the Township's sponsored humane feral-cat program; the Township may sponsor such a program but does not promise to fund it.

A feral cat colony specifically must be registered with the animal control officer every year by December 31 for the coming year, and a newly discovered colony must be registered within 30 days of discovery, with no exception for a colony registered in a prior year. Registered caretakers must follow detailed guidelines in Section 80-21(b)(3): sterilize every adult cat that can be captured, vaccinate against rabies, remove kittens before eight weeks old for placement, pull sick or injured cats for veterinary care or humane euthanasia, feed the colony year-round including weekends and holidays, ear-tip captured cats on the left ear, keep sterilization and medical records for the animal control officer's inspection, and secure the property owner's written authorization.

The animal control officer inspects and must approve every colony site and program, may seize or remove any feral cat or colony at any time, and destroying a trap or releasing a captured cat is separately unlawful. A caretaker found in violation gets a written warning and up to 30 days to come into compliance before Section 80-22 applies its fine of $100 to $500 plus costs, or up to 90 days in jail for nonpayment.