KS HB2698

Authorizes courts of competent jurisdiction to order the permanent seizure of an animal from its owner when the owner is found guilty of violating county resolutions regarding animal care, custody, or control, provided the county has passed a resolution authorizing such seizures.

Courts may order permanent removal of an animal if it displayed behaviors posing a substantial threat to public health, safety, or welfare; would likely be subjected to future mistreatment by the owner; or is a type of animal prohibited by county resolution.

Seized animals may be disposed of in the manner established by resolution of the board of county commissioners and as ordered by the court.

Defines "animal" broadly to include any vertebrate or invertebrate organism of the kingdom animalia (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, bees, etc.) but explicitly excludes livestock as defined in K.S.A. 47-120(b).

Amends K.S.A. 19-101d to add permanent animal seizure as an additional enforcement tool available to counties alongside existing penalties of fines and confinement for violations of county resolutions passed under home rule powers.