ANIMAL CONTROL-FERAL CATS

Amends the Animal Control Act. Provides that if the money from registration fees is placed in the county animal population control fund it may also be used for a purpose under the Food Stamp Program or the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Program for an animal control facility, animal shelter, organization or resident (currently, resident) who humanely traps feral cats for spaying or neutering and return under a provision in the Illinois Public Health and Safety Animal Population Control Act. Provides that only the registration requirements, the registration fees, the microchipping requirements, and the microchipping fees under the Act do not apply to feral cats, rather than the entire Section shall not apply to feral cats. Provides that if no placement is available by an animal control facility, the dog or cat may (rather than shall) be humanely dispatched under the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act. Amends the Illinois Public Health and Safety Animal Population Control Act. Provides that a resident of State who owns a dog or cat and who is eligible for any government assistance, including the Food Stamp Program or the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Program (rather than solely a resident eligible for the Food Stamp Program or the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits Program), shall be eligible to participate in the program at a reduced rate if the owner signs a consent form certifying that he or she is the owner of the dog or cat or is authorized to present the dog or cat for the procedure. Provides that an animal control facility, animal shelter, organization, or a resident of this State who humanely traps feral cats for spaying or neutering and return is eligible to participate in the program if recognized by the municipality or by the county. Effective immediately.