HB 1403 - Care and Disposition of Disaster Animals Act

• Creates the "Care and Disposition of Disaster Animals Act" establishing rules for handling companion animals separated from owners during state-declared emergencies (Class #1 Event) or federally declared disasters (Class #2 Event) requiring evacuation for more than 24 hours.

• Requires animal shelters to hold disaster animals for minimum 30 days (Class #1 Event) or 30-90 days (Class #2 Event, or 6 months if not posted on approved website), with owners able to request extensions by contract if willing to pay care costs.

• Grants new owners unencumbered title to unclaimed animals after holding period expires; animals are considered abandoned if not reclaimed by end of holding period plus any extension.

• Prohibits removal of disaster animals from Oklahoma without State Veterinarian permission and establishes civil penalty of up to $1,000 per offense for unauthorized removal.

• Authorizes animal shelters to provide veterinary care including humane euthanasia during holding period; prohibits spaying/neutering without owner permission unless medically necessary; requires State Veterinarian approval before adoption events.