HB 497 - Companion Animal Protection Act

• Establishes mandatory holding periods of 5 business days for stray animals and owner-relinquished animals at shelters, with first 2 days reserved for owner redemption.

• Requires shelters to check for identification methods (microchips, tags, licenses), maintain lost and found lists, and post photos of stray animals online to help owners claim their animals.

• Mandates shelters provide fresh food and water, daily exercise, twice-daily cage cleaning, and necessary veterinary care including vaccinations and pain management for all animals.

• Prohibits euthanasia based solely on expired holding periods and requires shelters to notify rescue organizations at least 2 business days before euthanasia, offering animals for transfer to avoid death.

• Specifies euthanasia procedures must use lethal intravenous injection of sodium pentobarbital (with limited exceptions) and requires verification of death by checking heartbeat, respiration, gum color, and eye response; only licensed veterinarians or certified technicians may perform procedures.