Abstract: Adds a definition of "proper shelter" for a dog.
Present law provides that the definition of the term "proper shelter" for an animal means providing
each animal with adequate shelter from the elements as required to prevent unnecessary or
unjustifiable suffering by the animal.
Proposed law retains present law and specifies that the present law definition of "proper shelter"
applies to all animals, except for dogs.
Proposed law provides that the definition of "proper shelter" means, with regard to dogs, an upright,
weather resistant structure with three walls, an opening, a roof, and a floor. The proper shelter shall
be free of waste and standing water, and it shall be sufficient in size for an animal to stand in an
upright position, turn around, and make normal posturing positions.
Proposed law further provides that "proper shelter" shall not include animal carriers, plastic crates,
and other enclosures designed to provide temporary housing.
(Amends R.S. 14:102(5))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill:
1. Make present law definition of "proper shelter" applicable to all animals except for dogs.
2. Add a definition of "proper shelter" applicable to only dogs.


Statutes affected:
HB223 Original: 14:102(5)
HB223 Engrossed: 14:102(5)