Bill > SB328

This bill addresses animal shelter practices by prohibiting the euthanasia of dogs and cats solely due to lack of space. Specifically, the bill requires city or county animal control facilities, contracted animal control facilities, and humane societies to establish and document clear housing limits for dogs and cats, which must be approved by the State Department of Agriculture. These facilities must submit annual reports by July 1st detailing their animal intake, housing limits, and any animal destructions, including specific reasons for euthanasia. The bill provides an important exception that allows euthanasia for animals suffering from terminal illnesses or severe injuries, as determined by a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, the State Department of Agriculture is mandated to develop a process for approving housing limits and to provide an annual report to legislative committees about the animal shelter destruction reports, thereby increasing transparency and accountability in animal shelter operations. The goal of this legislation appears to be reducing unnecessary euthanasia and promoting more humane animal shelter practices.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB328