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CS/CS/SB 420 — Animal Control
by Appropriations Committee; Community Affairs Committee; and Senator Grimsley
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Agriculture Committee (AG)
The bill provides a procedure for adopting or humanely disposing of impounded livestock (excluding cattle) as an alternative to sale or auction. Notice of the impounded livestock must be provided in specified methods by county sheriffs or animal control centers. The bill requires the sheriff or animal control center to establish fees and be responsible for damages caused while impounding the livestock. The bill grants municipalities with certified animal control officers the same powers as counties and societies or associations for investigating animal cruelty cases. Finally, the bill provides additional, supplemental, and alternative laws for enforcing county or municipal codes or ordinances, but clarifies that it does not prohibit a county or municipality from enforcing its own codes or ordinances by any other means.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2015.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 117-0