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Committee approves study of private animal boarding after testimony about kennel problems
Summary
The committee approved SB 50 to establish a study committee on private animal boarding facilities after testimony and emails describing missing, injured and dying pets and difficulty locating licensed kennels in the state.
The House Environment and Agriculture Committee approved SB 50, which establishes a study committee to examine regulation of private animal boarding facilities, following testimony and committee discussion highlighting problems at some kennels and the apparent lack of a comprehensive registry of boarding operations.
Representative Haskins moved adoption of SB 50 with a “not to pass” motion; the motion was seconded and debated. Members said the hearing had included disturbing witness testimony about animals disappearing, being injured or dying while boarded. Committee researcher Kristi Ausfresser reported difficulty locating a statewide list of kennels; while businesses are registered with the Secretary of State, identifying which registrants operate kennels and where they are located proved challenging. Several members said they support a study to consider licensing, inspection authority, insurance requirements, violation penalties and owner protections.
Representative Potenza asked whether the commissioner could perform interim inspections while the committee studies the issue; committee members and staff said the commissioner currently has statutory authority to inspect shelters but not necessarily private boarding operations, so additional statutory authority would be needed for broader inspections. Representative Contois and others suggested exploring penalties or violations for operators whose practices injure animals. Representative Scully recounted a personal experience in which an owner failed to disclose a dog’s heart condition, and the boarded dog subsequently died while in another home’s care; she said clearer disclosure requirements might protect both owners and boarders.
Clerk roll call recorded unanimous support in the excerpt and the chair said the motion passed and the bill was placed on consent.
Ending Committee members said the study should consider protections for both animals and the people who board them, and examine what types of licensure, insurance or enforcement mechanisms would be appropriate. The committee instructed staff to produce committee reports as needed and indicated the study would convene later in the year.
