HB 233 Summary

• Transfers dog licensing and control authority from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to Delaware's three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex) effective January 1, 2010.

• Establishes county-administered dog licensing system with three license types: individual dog owner licenses (valid up to 3 years), retail dog outlet licenses (valid 1 year), and kennel licenses for facilities with more than four dogs (valid 1 year).

• Sets minimum fine of $50 for failure to license a dog by March 1, with $100 minimum fine for subsequent offenses within 12 months; counties may impose higher fines.

• Specifies detailed humane care standards for dog housing facilities including temperature control (50-85°F indoor range), ventilation, lighting, sanitation, adequate space, feeding, and watering requirements for kennels and retail dog outlets.

• Authorizes dog control agents to inspect facilities and enter premises (with restrictions on dwelling houses), issue warnings for violations, and suspend licenses until deficiencies are corrected; provides county administrative review process for license suspensions.