The original instrument was prepared by Curry J. Lann. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Nancy
Vicknair.
DIGEST
SB 64 Reengrossed 2017 Regular Session Gatti
Present law requires animal shelters to be inspected at least once every six months by an authorized
representative of the parish in which it is located.
Proposed law retains present law and further requires each parish to notify the director of the animal
control agency or shelter of the inspector's name in writing.
Proposed law requires inspectors and shelter personnel to annually attend training offered by an
organization that provides accredited continuing education courses regarding shelter safety, animal
welfare, and state compliance procedures, such as the Louisiana Animal Control Association.
Provides, however, that the training requirement shall apply only if an online training option is
available.
Present law (R.S. 3:2463-2465) provides for animal shelter minimum standards and operating
procedures.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law provides for the following definition:
(1)"Social media account" means an Internet-based service that allows individuals to do the
following:
(a)Construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system created by the
service.
(b)Create a list of other users with whom they share a connection within the system.
(c)View and navigate their list of connections and those made by others within the
system.
Present law requires shelters to be inspected at least every six months by an authorized parish
representative and authorizes additional inspections be made promptly upon receipt of a complaint.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law requires the parish to notify the director of the animal control agency or shelter of the
inspector's name in writing. Requires each individual authorized to conduct shelter inspections to
annually attend training provided by an organization providing accredited continuing education courses and further provides that the requirement for such training shall only apply if an online
training option is available.
Proposed law requires shelter personnel to annually attend the same training as shelter inspectors and
provides that such training requirement shall apply only if an online training option is available.
Proposed law authorizes any animal shelter that maintains a social media account or a website to
post pictures of every animal that enters the shelter upon intake and again prior to euthanasia of the
animal.
Effective August 1, 2017.
(Amends R.S. 3:2463(C) and (E); adds R.S. 3:2462(6) and 2465(E))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture, and Rural Development to the original bill
1. Defines the terms "severely injured" and "terminally ill".
2. Expands the training requirement for inspectors and shelter personnel to include
organizations that offer accredited continuing education courses regarding shelter
safety, animal welfare, and state compliance procedures.
3. Exempts certain cats and severely injured or terminally ill animals from the seventy-
two hour minimum hold requirement.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Removes the definitions of "severely injured" and "terminally ill".
2. Adds a provision that the annual training requirement for individuals authorized to
conduct shelter inspections and shelter personnel shall only apply only if an online
training option is available.
3. Deletes the provision requiring a minimum 72-hour hold for any animal seized while
running at large and bearing no identification prior to such animal becoming property
of the animal shelter or animal control agency.
4. Deletes the provisions exempting certain animals from the minimum 72-hour hold.