NC H208

Transfers administration of the Voluntary Spay/Neuter Program and Spay/Neuter Account from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, effective October 1, 2010.

Increases the Animal Lovers special license plate fee from $20.00 to $30.00, with $20.00 of the additional fee (up from $10.00) credited to the Spay/Neuter Account.

Expands the definition of "low-income person" eligible for spay/neuter services to include individuals earning under 300% of federal poverty guidelines, in addition to those qualifying for public assistance programs.

Requires counties and cities to establish proof-of-eligibility guidelines and mandates animal shelters file annual reports by March 1 or lose eligibility for reimbursement funds from the Spay/Neuter Account.

Directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct a comprehensive study on animal welfare issues, shelter operations, and the State's role in reducing unwanted animals, with findings due by May 1, 2011.