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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
animal shelter; definition
Purpose
Adds to the definition of animal shelter an animal rescue organization or a for-profit organization that adopts or sells animals.
Background
An animal shelter is a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or other nonprofit corporate organization devoted to the welfare, protection and humane treatment of animals. Animal shelters may not adopt an animal out unless: 1) the animal has been sterilized; 2) there is not a veterinary facility capable of sterilizing the animal within a 20-mile radius of the animal shelter; or 3) the veterinarian determines there is medical necessity to postpone sterilization. Animal shelters may not release an animal to its owner unless: 1) the dog has a current dog license; 2) the animal has been sterilized and implanted with a microchip; 3) there is not a veterinary facility capable of sterilizing the animal within a 20-mile radius of the animal shelter; 4) the veterinarian determines there is medical necessity to postpone sterilization; or 5) the animal's owner pays a $50 recovery fee, in addition to any fees and costs otherwise required by law (A.R.S. § 11-1022).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Adds to the definition of animal shelter an animal rescue organization or a for-profit organization that adopts or sells animals.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2023
RA/SF/slp