Bill > HB1953

This bill amends Oklahoma's regulations for commercial pet breeders and animal shelters by modifying inspection procedures. Specifically, the bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to conduct annual inspections of licensed animal shelter and commercial pet breeder facilities without prior notice, with inspections limited to occurring between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The bill maintains existing requirements for initial prelicense inspections, including payment of a nonrefundable inspection fee and a requirement that facilities meet specific standards before receiving a license. The legislation also preserves provisions allowing for investigations of written complaints about potential violations and explicitly prohibits hiring humane society members to conduct these inspections. An important change is the removal of language requiring a facility representative to be present during inspections, which suggests inspectors can now conduct examinations independently. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2025, providing ample time for affected facilities to prepare for the new inspection protocols.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1953&Session=2600