This bill modifies provisions related to the release and forfeiture of an animal that is being held because of abuse or involvement in a crime.
This bill:
- provides a process to permit, while legal resolution of a crime is ongoing, the release or transfer of an animal being held in a shelter because the animal was abused or was involved in a crime;
- permits a peace officer in possession of a warrant to enter premises or a vehicle to aid or take custody of an animal that is being criminally mistreated or is associated with a crime;
- requires notice to the owner or possessor of the animal;
- permits a shelter or government counsel to file a motion to have a court review whether an animal being held in a shelter due to criminal activity should be forfeited or transferred to alternative care;
- provides procedures for the hearing and the court's determination, and permits the animal's owner to be heard as part of the hearing;
- provides procedures for placement of the animal if the court orders ownership of the animal to be forfeited;
- permits a court to order an animal owner to pay for the costs of sheltering an animal due to the owner's criminal activity;
- permits a court to order an individual who has abused an animal or involved an animal in criminal activity to complete an educational or animal cruelty prevention program;
- provides cross references for the forfeiture procedure; and
- makes technical changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 76-9-301.6, 76-9-305
Substitute #1: 76-9-301.6, 76-9-305
Substitute #2: 76-9-301.6, 76-9-305