SLS 13RS-359 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2013
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 66
BY SENATOR CROWE
AGRICULTURE/FOREST DEPT. Requests the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission
to study the necessity of the seven-day notice requirement provided to governing authorities
before inspecting animal impoundment facilities.
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission to study the necessity of the2
seven-day notice requirement provided to governing authorities before inspecting3
animal impoundment facilities.4
WHEREAS, the commission was created for the purpose of assisting the governor's5
office of community programs to ensure and promote the proper treatment and well-being6
of animals; and7
WHEREAS, the commission's powers include the authority to inspect any animal8
impoundment facility for the purpose of making recommendations for improvements to the9
appropriate governing authority; and10
WHEREAS, R.S. 3:2364(D)(9) requires a governing authority to provide the11
commission reasonable access to the facility, its records, and personnel within seven days12
of receipt of a written request; and13
WHEREAS, the seven-day notice requirement may limit the ability of inspectors to14
evaluate the standard operating procedures of public animal shelters; and15
WHEREAS, the purpose of inspections is to verify that standard operating16
procedures are being carried out routinely to comply with state laws regulating shelter17
standards; and18 SR NO. 66
SLS 13RS-359 ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, inspections may include the examination of facilities for chronic1
problems, such as rodent infestations or accumulations of waste over long periods of time;2
and 3
WHEREAS, the commission provides invaluable recommendations for animal4
impoundment facilities and their everyday operations; and5
WHEREAS, animal impoundment facilities may change their everyday routines6
during the seven-day waiting period before the inspection occurs; and7
WHEREAS, the commission's membership includes both veterinarians and experts8
on animal housing that are uniquely qualified to objectively analyze the necessity of the9
notice requirement and make recommendations on an appropriate notice period; and10
WHEREAS, removing the seven-day notice requirement may enhance the ability of11
inspectors to identify problem areas at public animal shelters and propose solutions; and12
WHEREAS, the commission shall submit a written report of its findings with any13
specific proposals for legislation to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,14
Aquaculture, and Rural Development on or before October 1, 2013.15
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana16
does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission to study the17
necessity of the seven-day notice requirement provided to governing authorities before18
inspecting animal impoundment facilities.19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the20
chairman of the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission. 21
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Curry Johnson.
DIGEST
Crowe SR No. 66
Requests the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission to study the necessity of the seven-day
notice requirement provided to governing authorities before inspecting animal impoundment
facilities.