HB 515: Companion Animal Protection Act

• Requires animal shelters to check animals for identification within one business day of impoundment and maintain daily lost-and-found lists, posting strays on the Internet with sufficient detail for owner recognition.

• Establishes mandatory holding periods before euthanasia: 5 business days minimum overall, 4 business days for identified strays, and 3 business days for unidentified strays, with animals able to be transferred to rescue organizations or foster care during this period.

• Mandates comprehensive animal care including fresh food and water daily, environmental enrichment with exercise at least once daily, cage cleaning twice daily, and prompt veterinary care including pain management and preventative vaccinations.

• Requires notification at least 2 business days before euthanasia to rescue organizations, surrendering owners, and finders, with the option for them to take possession of the animal.

• Restricts euthanasia to cases where all shelter resources are exhausted, requires director certification in writing, prohibits euthanasia based solely on breed or appearance, and permits only licensed veterinarians or certified euthanasia technicians to perform euthanasia procedures using lethal intravenous sodium pentobarbital injection.