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Animal Resource Center says new law shifts cruelty intake to Humane Society and law enforcement
Summary
Montgomery County’s Animal Resource Center told commissioners that HB 247 removes ARC’s authority to seize or impound animals for cruelty or neglect and requires ARC to notify the Humane Society or law enforcement; presentation included ARC intake and impound statistics for 2023–2025.
Amy Bohardt of the Animal Resource Center told the Board that one of the practical effects of HB 247 is to narrow ARC’s role in suspected cruelty or neglect: 'ARC no longer has authority to seize or impound dogs for cruelty or neglect,' the presentation stated, and ARC must instead notify the Humane Society or local law enforcement when abuse or neglect is suspected.
The slide deck included ARC service statistics showing 'Calls for Service (Abuse or Neglect)' at 1,342 (15%) in 2023, 1,313 (14%) in 2024 and 1,432 (14%) in 2025, and listed dogs impounded due to cruelty as 34 (2%), 25 (2%) and 27 (2%) respectively. Presenters cautioned those cruelty intake numbers may understate total cruelty-related surrenders and noted a statistical report on owner surrenders was 'currently unavailable.' County staff said the shift will affect ARC case handling and referral workflows and that they will track impacts over time.
County commissioners did not take formal action on ARC operations at the meeting but were given the briefing to prepare for policy or procedural updates that may be needed as the new statute is implemented.
