IN SB0295

Extends standards of care and registration requirements applicable to commercial dog breeders and brokers to private animal rescue operations, effective July 1, 2014.

Requires private animal rescue operations to register annually with the board of animal health and pay a $75 registration fee, with funds deposited in a dedicated animal rescue operation fund.

Prohibits local units from enacting or enforcing ordinances that impose more stringent requirements on commercial dog breeders, brokers, or animal rescue operations than those established by statute; makes such ordinances void as of July 1, 2014.

Creates a private cause of action allowing persons adversely affected by violations to sue local units for declarative relief, injunctive relief, and actual and consequential damages.

Amends criminal statute definitions to include violations related to commercial dog breeder regulation and animal rescue operation registration.