LA HB834

Political subdivisions in Louisiana may designate animal shelters (public, private, veterinary, or other competent entities) to provide services for lost, stray, and at-large domestic animals within their jurisdiction.

Shelters must comply with applicable hold periods, with a minimum 72-hour stray hold period if no local law specifies otherwise.

During the hold period, shelters must scan animals for microchips at least twice (24 hours apart), check for other identification, maintain records for at least one year, and make diligent efforts to notify owners who then have 7 days to reclaim.

After the hold period expires and notification efforts are complete, shelters may acquire ownership of unclaimed animals and transfer them to new owners, with transferee information protected from disclosure except by subpoena or consent.

Political subdivisions, shelters, and their employees are granted immunity from liability for acquiring ownership of animals or permitting fostering under this law.