Ash’s Law was drafted and named by Alley Cat Allies. If passed, it will be the first comprehensive statewide TNR (trap, neuter, release) law. Ash’s law prevents jurisdictions in Maryland from prohibiting and restricting TNR efforts made by residents and cat welfare organizations.
The law was named after Ash, a beloved community cat from Riverdale, Maryland. Ash was removed from her outdoor home in 2016 and taken to an animal shelter along with her six newborn kittens. She spent the last day of her life in a cage. Less than 24 hours later, she and her kittens had been euthanized. Ash’s Law would prevent cats like Ash from being confiscated by protecting community cats.
Cat Owner vs Commonwealth of PA
February 25, 2026
Do you live in Pennsylvania? Bet you didn’t know the state doesn’t limit the number of domestic animals you can keep in your home—but your city or town might. For example, if your city says you can only keep three pets in your home and you keep five, they can fine you for violating a local law.
However, a woman in 1994 fought her town’s law and won because of the PA state law. She lived in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, a town that had a five-pet per household rule—and she had thirty-three cats. She hired an attorney and appealed her town’s decision to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
This court also found her guilty, so she took her case to the Commonwealth Court, a state court. This time, the judge ruled in her favor. While the city of Carnegie’s law limited the number of cats per household to protect public health, the judge stated that the city failed to prove that her thirty-three cats were a public nuisance because she kept them indoors. If, however, the woman’s cats were allowed to venture outside and harmed or bothered other residents, then the cats would be violating public health laws.
While you’re allowed to keep a bunch of kitties in your house in Pennsylvania, you must follow the state’s animal cruelty laws. You must provide your pets with food and water, protect them from the elements, give them access to shelter, and provide them with proper veterinary care. If you don’t do this, you’re breaking the law.
Pets Are Family Members, Not Personal Property
February 25, 2026
On September 29, 2025, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 97. The bill states that during divorce proceedings, pets must be considered cherished family members instead of personal property. The bill is headed to the State Senate.
If the bill passes the Senate and becomes law, judges must consider a pet’s welfare before deciding which individual gets custody. Judges will determine which party takes care of the pet’s daily needs and can afford the pet. Judges may also consider whether the animal was acquired prior to or during the marriage. The bill also allows the parties to essentially “co-parent” a pet and enter into an enforceable agreement outside of the divorce.
The current law does not make any special provisions for pets. They are considered personal property, like furniture and appliances.
Which US States Ban Declawing Cats
February 25, 2026
Declawing a cat is a major surgical amputation. It is similar to having the tip of your finger cut off up to and including the top knuckle. Aside from the pain a cat suffers after the amputation, a declawed cat can have permanent pain when walking. Declawing negatively affects a cat’s balance as well as its ability to climb and defend itself. The procedure can cause a cat to develop behavioral problems such as anxiety and aggression.
Unfortunately, as of early 2026, only five US states and the District of Columbia ban declawing: New York, Maryland, California, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.