This bill introduces several changes to existing laws, including the adjustment of dog licensing fees and the full compensation of veterinarians for their participation in the animal population control program. Specifically, the companion animal population control fee paid by dog owners to city or town clerks is reduced from $2 to $1.75. Additionally, for owners aged 65 or older, the fee for licensing one dog is set at $1.75, and they are exempt from the population control fee for that dog. The clerks will now retain $1 for each license issued and submit $0.75 to the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, an increase from the previous $0.50, to support the operation of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

The bill also repeals several designated funds, including the pesticide training program fund, the emergency vehicle warning sign fund, and others. Funds remaining in the repealed pesticide training program fund will be credited to the pesticides control fund. Veterinarians participating in the animal population control program will now be reimbursed 100 percent of the sterilization procedure fee, an increase from the previous 80 percent, minus any payment made by the animal's owner. The effective dates for these changes are staggered, with Sections 1 and 2 taking effect on July 1, 2024, and the remainder of the act becoming effective on September 17, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:4, 466:9
As Amended by the Senate: 466:4, 466:9
Version adopted by both bodies: 466:4, 466:9
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 466:4, 466:9, 437-A:4