Bill Text: GA HB1106 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Comm Sub

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Bill Title: Animal protection; shelters scan for microchips prior to euthanasia; provisions

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2010-07-01 - Effective Date [HB1106 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-HB1106-Comm_Sub.html

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10 LC 14 0296S

House Bill 1106 (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

By: Representative Maddox of the 172nd

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to animal protection, so as to provide that animal shelters and similar facilities shall scan animals for microchips upon receipt and prior to euthanasia; to define a certain term; to provide that a reasonable effort shall be made to contact the owner; to provide for a waiver of liability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to animal protection, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

"4-11-5.2.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'microchip reader' means a device designed to read microchips at 125 kHz, both encrypted and nonencrypted, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz, and which is ISO 11784 and 11785 compliant.

(b) When any dog, cat, or other large animal traditionally kept as a household pet is brought to an animal shelter or other facility operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected, or abandoned animals, the operator of the facility shall, if the owner of the animal is not known, within 24 hours or as soon as possible scan for the presence of an identifying microchip through the use of a microchip reader. If a microchip is found, the operator shall make a reasonable effort to contact the owner of the animal. Prior to euthanizing a dog, cat, or other large animal traditionally kept as a household pet, any facility referred to in this subsection shall again scan for the presence of an identifying microchip through the use of a microchip reader.

(c) Shelters and facilities and their employees and the Department of Agriculture shall not be liable for failing to detect a microchip or failing to contact the owner of the animal. Shelter personnel shall not be required to scan any animal they deem to be too vicious or dangerous to permit safe handling."

SECTION 2.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.