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Regular Session, 2013 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 66
BY SENATOR CROWE
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission to study the necessity of the
seven-day notice requirement provided to governing authorities before inspecting
animal impoundment facilities.
WHEREAS, the commission was created for the purpose of assisting the governor's
office of community programs to ensure and promote the proper treatment and well-being
of animals; and
WHEREAS, the commission's powers include the authority to inspect any animal
impoundment facility for the purpose of making recommendations for improvements to the
appropriate governing authority; and
WHEREAS, R.S. 3:2364(D)(9) requires a governing authority to provide the
commission reasonable access to the facility, its records, and personnel within seven days
of receipt of a written request; and
WHEREAS, the seven-day notice requirement may limit the ability of inspectors to
evaluate the standard operating procedures of public animal shelters; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of inspections is to verify that standard operating
procedures are being carried out routinely to comply with state laws regulating shelter
standards; and
WHEREAS, inspections may include the examination of facilities for chronic
problems, such as rodent infestations or accumulations of waste over long periods of time;
and
WHEREAS, the commission provides invaluable recommendations for animal
impoundment facilities and their everyday operations; and
WHEREAS, animal impoundment facilities may change their everyday routines
during the seven-day waiting period before the inspection occurs; and SR NO. 66 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, the commission's membership includes both veterinarians and experts
on animal housing that are uniquely qualified to objectively analyze the necessity of the
notice requirement and make recommendations on an appropriate notice period; and
WHEREAS, removing the seven-day notice requirement may enhance the ability of
inspectors to identify problem areas at public animal shelters and propose solutions; and
WHEREAS, the commission shall submit a written report of its findings with any
specific proposals for legislation to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture, and Rural Development on or before October 1, 2013.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission to study the
necessity of the seven-day notice requirement provided to governing authorities before
inspecting animal impoundment facilities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
chairman of the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE