SB 646 - This act moves the sections known as the "Animal Care Act" (273.325 to 273.357) and "Canine Cruelty Prevention Act" (273.345) to Chapter 324, the Occupations and Professions Chapter. The act creates the State Commission of Animal Care Facilities. The Commission shall be under the Division of Professional Registration, and certain duties and responsibilities previously held by the Department of Agriculture shall now be assumed by the Commission. The Commission shall be responsible for the licensure and inspection of certain animal shelters, pounds, boarding kennels, commercial kennels, contract kennels, pet shops, pet dealers, and commercial breeders.
The Governor shall appoint ten members from various animal care professions to the Commission. Until such appointments are made by the governor, the Department of Agriculture shall continue to administer the licenses and inspection of animal care facilities. Licenses previously issued by the Department shall remain valid until the expiration date. Upon the expiration of the license, an animal care facility must apply for a new license with the Commission.
JESSICA BAKER