Bill > H0841

This bill makes several changes to animal welfare laws, including requiring animal shelters, rescue organizations, and pet dealers to register with the Division of Animal Welfare, which is established within the Department of Public Safety to oversee animal welfare laws and enforce regulations. It also mandates that wolf-hybrids, which are animals that are part wolf and part dog, must be sexually sterilized before being licensed, and that imported wolf-hybrids over four months old must also be sterilized. The bill also expands the scope of the sexual sterilization program to include cats, allows for the sterilization of stray cats impounded by shelters, and requires pet dealers and other animal-related businesses to carry general liability insurance. Additionally, it establishes a reporting requirement for the Director of Animal Welfare to propose further steps for a comprehensive animal welfare program, including oversight for breeders and sellers of dogs and cats.