FL H0597

Creates the "Animal Rescue Act" requiring animal control agencies and animal shelters that euthanize animals to maintain a registry of animal rescue groups willing to accept animals scheduled for euthanasia.

Registry must include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations upon request, and may include non-nonprofit persons or groups at the agency's discretion; agencies may refuse or remove applicants with animal cruelty convictions, pending charges, or court orders preventing them from housing animals.

Requires agencies to notify all relevant rescue groups on the registry at least 24 hours before euthanizing an animal through verifiable electronic communication; animals cannot be euthanized if a rescue group agrees to take possession within 2 business days.

Authorizes agencies to assess fees not exceeding standard adoption fees for animals released to rescue groups and may require monthly reporting on animals received, adopted, euthanized, or remaining in rescue group care.

Requires monthly and annual public summaries of animal statistics including impounded, euthanized, adopted, returned to owners, transferred to other organizations, and remaining animals; exceptions to notification requirements apply for irremediably suffering animals, dangerous dogs, and unweaned animals without mothers.