SB 438 Summary

• Requires animal shelter owners and operators to submit annual reports to the State Department of Public Health detailing total numbers of animals by species and their disposition.

• Report must include data on animals adopted, released to owners, transferred to other facilities or rescue organizations, euthanized, died in custody, sold or transferred to research facilities, and sterilization status.

• Department shall develop a standard reporting form, compile reports on statewide and county-by-county basis, maintain reports for at least five years, and make reports public records accessible under Freedom of Information Act.

• Violations including failure to file reports or submitting false or fraudulent reports are Class A misdemeanors.

• Bill becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.