This bill amends existing laws concerning pet vendor foster homes and the treatment of livestock in cases of animal cruelty. It introduces new definitions for "pet vendor foster home" and "pet vendor foster facility," emphasizing that care must be in the best interest of the animals as determined by a licensed veterinarian. Pet vendors are now required to report annually on their foster homes to the Department of Agriculture, with the information remaining confidential. The bill modifies animal cruelty laws to specify that livestock confiscation will follow different procedures, allowing for confiscation only when a person is charged with cruelty and requiring that the investigating officer be accompanied by a veterinarian or qualified staff during the determination process.

Additionally, the bill allows law enforcement to take livestock into protective custody without a warrant if there is probable cause of imminent danger to the animals' health or life, while mandating written notice of the seizure and ensuring proper care for the confiscated livestock. It prohibits permanent alterations, such as spaying or neutering, without the owner's consent or a veterinarian's recommendation. The bill clarifies the roles of veterinarians in these cases, providing them with protections from liability for decisions made during investigations. It also repeals a previous provision related to livestock confiscation and renumbers certain sections for clarity. The effective date for most provisions is set for January 1, 2027, while others will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 437:1
As Amended by the Senate: 437:1
As Amended by the House: 437:1, 437:3, 644:8, 436:8
Version adopted by both bodies: 437:1, 437:3, 644:8, 436:8
SB475 text: 437:1