AN ACT relating to animal impoundment.
     Create new sections of KRS 258 to define "animal control officer" "humanely destroy" and "reasonable expenses"; allow animal control officers to take physical custody of an animal if there is probable cause or the officer has a warrant finding probable cause to believe that the animal is in imminent harm, cruelly treated or tortured; require the animal control officer to file a petition of facts with the District Court 96 hours after taking custody of the animal and request action by that same court; allow the animal to be humanely destroyed if a licensed veterinarian deems the animal to be severely injured or diseased; require the District Court to place the petition on the docket and issue a summons for the owner or person caring for the impounded animal; require the court to determine physical custody of the animal pending a final decision of the court on the question of animal cruelty or torture; provide a method for the owner to be noticed of animal's custody if the court could not determine the animal's ownership; require the owner to relinquish ownership after court order or post a surety bond for the care of the animal pending final disposition of the case; allow the court to waive bond if the owner is found indigent; allow the court to order the animal humanely destroyed upon written assessment by a licensed veterinarian; allow agent caring for the impounded animal to draw on the bond for care expenses and provide method for return of unused portion of bond.

     Jan 4-introduced in House
     Jan 5-to Agriculture & Small Business (H)