Bill > SB0201

This bill amends existing law regarding the disposition of animals in animal shelters, defining "animal organization" to include both animal rescue groups and animal shelters, while specifying that "animal shelter" does not include private humane societies or animal welfare organizations. Under the new provisions, an animal held by a shelter that is not adopted, transferred, placed in a community cat program, or reclaimed by its owner may be euthanized only if no reasonable alternatives exist and in accordance with specific requirements. These requirements include waiting for the mandatory holding period to expire, notifying interested animal shelters and rescue groups about animals at risk of euthanasia, and ensuring that no other organization requests or collects the animal within two business days of the notice, unless the animal is suffering from serious injury or disease, or is a dangerous dog. The bill also clarifies that shelters can use their internal policies for notifications and that animal organizations are responsible for monitoring any communication channels used for these notices, with exceptions for notifying rescue groups if the shelter has reason to believe the group has directors, officers, or employees with past or pending animal cruelty convictions or is subject to a court order preventing them from taking in animals, though shelters are not obligated to investigate such matters. Finally, the bill states that shelters are not liable for actions taken in good faith based on available information and sets an effective date of May 6, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0201.html