HB 11-1063: Animal Welfare and Control

• Designates animal control officers as peace officers with authority limited to enforcement of pet animal control ordinances and resolutions.

• Allows denial of employment in local animal control or as an animal protection agent based on conviction of any felony or crime of moral turpitude.

• Requires courts to hear impoundment bond proceedings on expedited basis and waive bonds for indigent owners; mandates return of bonds or full sale proceeds to owners if not convicted of animal-related charges.

• Establishes minimum standards for animal control personnel including criminal history record checks, picture identification, and training equivalent to animal protection agents, effective January 1, 2012.

• Prohibits the commissioner of agriculture from appointing nongovernmental entities as animal protection agents or contracting with them for livestock inspection or protection services.