SB 0971 Summary

• Prohibits individuals employed by or contracted with public bodies from conducting research or training on dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress.

• Prohibits breeding, purchasing, transporting, housing, feeding, or maintaining dogs for use in painful or distressing research or training activities by public bodies.

• Defines painful or distressing activities as those reportable to the USDA under federal regulations or procedures reasonably expected to cause more than slight or momentary pain, even if pain relief is administered.

• Exempts veterinary training or clinical research on owner-consented dogs for treating existing diseases or ailments, and exempts spaying, neutering, and routine animal control shelter procedures.

• Establishes civil fines of $1,000 to $5,000 per dog per day of violation, enforceable by the Attorney General; effective October 1, 2020.