SB 646 Summary

• Repeals 19 sections of Missouri law relating to animal care facility licensure (sections 273.325-273.359) and re-enacts them as sections 324.1160-324.1198 in the Occupations and Professions chapter.

• Creates a "State Commission of Animal Care Facilities" appointed by the governor with senate consent to license and regulate animal shelters, pounds, boarding kennels, commercial kennels, pet shops, dealers, and commercial breeders; the Department of Agriculture retains duties until all commission members are appointed.

• Transfers regulatory authority from the director of agriculture to the new commission, including rulemaking, inspections, licensing decisions, and enforcement of animal care standards.

• Establishes an "Animal Care Reserve Fund" to receive all licensing fees collected by the commission, with funds used solely to administer the animal care facility provisions.

• Maintains existing animal care standards and the "Canine Cruelty Prevention Act" requirements for large-scale dog breeding operations, including provisions for food, water, housing, veterinary care, exercise, and rest between breeding cycles.