DE SB217

Consolidates animal control enforcement under the state Department of Health and Social Services, transferring authority from counties to the state Office of Animal Welfare and its Delaware Animal Services unit

Replaces various titles including "animal control constable," "dog control agent," and "dog warden" with a unified "animal welfare officer" designation employed by the Department

Transfers dog licensing authority from counties to the state Department, which will issue individual dog owner licenses, retail dog outlet licenses, and kennel licenses with fees set to cover administrative costs

Shifts dangerous and potentially dangerous dog hearings from the Dog Control Panel to the Justice of the Peace Court, requiring clear and convincing evidence for determinations and providing appeal rights to the Court of Common Pleas within 15 days

Adds new protections for dogs kept outdoors, prohibiting outdoor housing during National Weather Service hazardous weather warnings and requiring moisture-resistant bedding when temperatures fall below acclimated levels