CO HB1458

Creates a new Division of Animal Welfare within the Department of Agriculture, replacing the previous "Division of Animal Industry" designation.

Establishes the Office of the Director of the Division of Animal Welfare as a type 2 entity under the Department of Agriculture to oversee animal welfare functions.

Grants the Department of Agriculture authority to promote domestic animal welfare through education, outreach, voluntary programs, and grants, with stakeholder input and commission approval required before creating programs or awarding grants.

Allocates the State Bureau of Animal Protection to the new Division of Animal Welfare under the Department of Agriculture.

Appropriates $664,630 from the general fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year to the Division of Animal Welfare and decreases the animal industry division appropriation by $464,630, with 2.8 FTE positions transferred to the new division.