Bill > LB133

This bill expands the legal authority and protections for animal control officers in enforcing state and local animal welfare laws. The bill adds a new definition of "animal control officer" as a person authorized by a city, village, or county to enforce animal control laws and regulations. It grants animal control officers, alongside law enforcement officers, the power to investigate potential cases of animal abandonment, cruel neglect, or mistreatment, including the ability to seek warrants to enter private property to inspect, care for, or impound animals in distress. The bill also provides immunity from property damage liability for animal control officers acting in good faith during such investigations, as long as the damage is not due to negligence. Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes to allow animal control officers to issue citations, participate in animal seizure proceedings, and be involved in court hearings related to animal welfare cases. The legislation aims to strengthen animal protection mechanisms by broadening the scope of who can enforce animal welfare laws and ensure that animals in potentially harmful situations can be quickly and effectively assisted. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Justice

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59100