HB 4643

Abstract

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that an animal shelter shall not accept a dog or cat from an animal shelter or an out-of-state animal control facility, rescue group, or animal shelter unless it obtains and keeps record of documentation attesting the dog or cat was not obtained through compensation or payment to a dog breeder or cat breeder. Provides that a pet shop operator must obtain specified documentation to verify a breeder meets or exceeds the relevant standards set by the Department of Agriculture. Provides that the Department, at any time, may mandate a pet shop operator to pay to have a dog or cat breeder audited by a third-party auditing firm to ensure compliance with cat and dog breeder standards. Provides that beginning 120 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a $25 administrative fee shall be imposed on every dog or cat sold by a pet shop operator. Makes changes in provisions concerning the sourcing of dogs and cats sold by pet shops, disclosures for dogs and cats being sold by pet shops, violations, and fees. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Sourcing and Inspection Compliance Fund. Effective immediately.