The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6226, aims to limit the duration that animals seized under a court order can be held in municipal animal shelters or dog pounds to a maximum of ninety days. If the animal is not adopted or reclaimed within this timeframe, the shelter or pound must engage an approved animal rescue organization that can provide temporary in-home fostering for the animal. The Department of Agriculture will maintain a list of these approved organizations and establish criteria for their approval.

Additionally, the bill mandates that municipal shelters and pounds cannot refuse volunteer assistance from these approved organizations and must allow their representatives to assist in the care of seized animals. Before the engagement of fostering, these representatives are also permitted to visually inspect the facilities housing the animals. This legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is designed to ensure that seized animals receive adequate care and support while awaiting legal resolution.