RDCSB64 3407 2498
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
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 defines "social media account" means an Internet-based service that allows
individuals to do the following:
(1)Construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system created by the
service.
(2)Create a list of other users with whom they share a connection within the system.
(3)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. Requires the training be approved by the
state veterinarian.
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. Requires the training be approved by the state veterinarian.
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 Aug. 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
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Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture, and Rural Development to the original bill
1. Define the terms "severely injured" and "terminally ill".
2. Expand 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. Exempt certain cats and severely injured or terminally ill animals from the
seventy-two hour minimum hold requirement.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Remove the definitions of "severely injured" and "terminally ill".
2. Add 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. Delete 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. Delete the provisions exempting certain animals from the minimum 72-hour
hold.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture, and Rural Development to the reengrossed bill:
1. Mandate that all annual training required in proposed law be approved by the
state veterinarian.
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