DE HB84

Expands police officer authority to assist the Office of Animal Welfare and Department of Agriculture in enforcing all animal protection and control laws statewide.

Prohibits dog owners from allowing dogs to bark for extended periods, defined as continuously for 15 minutes or more, or intermittently for 30 minutes or more.

Establishes escalating civil penalties for barking violations: first violation receives written warning, second violation $100, third violation $200, and subsequent violations $300 each.

Exempts barking violations if a person is trespassing on the property or if the dog is being teased, and exempts animal shelters, pet stores, grooming facilities, veterinary offices, and animal clinics.

Directs all fines and penalties collected from animal-related law violations to be remitted to the enforcing agency and takes effect July 1, 2024.