CO SB158

Continues the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act licensing program by moving its sunset date from September 1, 2019 to September 1, 2026.

Requires animal shelters and pet animal rescues to sterilize dogs and cats before release, with exceptions for facilities with existing sterilization programs, public shelters eligible for fee waivers, and facilities in areas with limited veterinary access granted commissioner exemptions.

Expands grounds for license denial or revocation to include convictions for theft, importation, capture, neglect, or abuse of animals in addition to animal cruelty charges.

Directs all civil fines collected under the pet animal licensing program to the state general fund, while licensing fees continue to support the pet animal care and facility fund.

Appropriates $123,007 to the Department of Agriculture for the 2019-20 fiscal year, including $121,007 for animal industry division operations (1.6 FTE) and $2,000 for vehicle leases.