HB 5809 Summary

• Replaces definitions of "animal control shelter" and "animal protection shelter" with a single "animal control agency" definition encompassing shelters and law enforcement agencies.

• Prohibits returning confiscated animals to owners and requires seized animals to be taken to local animal control agencies for evaluation and disposition upon conviction.

• Adds new subsections (14-24) establishing procedures for animal seizure, notice requirements, security deposit/bond posting timelines (14 days), and court hearings to determine animal disposition.

• Establishes that owners/possessors are responsible for all costs of investigation, care, and disposition of seized animals, with courts having discretion to reduce costs only if seizure was not substantially justified.

• Allows animal control agencies to humanely euthanize seized animals if injured, diseased, or pose public safety threats, and to seek court orders for euthanasia of animals lacking useful purpose.