WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Delaware cats are a new protected class under animal control legislation being signed into law by Gov. Jack Markell.
Markell was to sign two bills Tuesday, one relating to cruelty to animals, and the other involving dangerous dogs.
One measure allows first responders to use reasonable force to remove an animal confined in a motor vehicle under conditions likely to cause suffering, injury, or death.
The other bill adds cats to the list of domestic animals - including dogs, poultry and livestock - that are protected under the dangerous dog law. That means if a dog attacks a cat on its owner's property or when it is under the immediate control of its owner, the canine should be evaluated according to dangerous dog provisions.
