The Governor of Utah has signed a new law that will regulate animal rescues and shelters in the state.
House Bill 478 becomes law on May 1, 2024. Those participating in rescue activities in the state are encouraged to review the current bill to see how it would impact you.
As approved by the legislature, House Bill 478 places new requirements on animal control facilities, which include animal shelters, sanctuaries, and rescues.
Rescues are defined as anyone who accepts companion animals for the purpose of finding a permanent home, does not maintain a central facility, and uses a system of temporary fostering. Animal sanctuaries are nonprofit entities used exclusively for indefinitely caring for, rehabilitating or housing companion animals.
New requirements include preventing the sale of a dog under eight weeks of age and requiring record keeping on health conditions, medical care, the identity of previous owners if known, and “dangerous behaviors” exhibited by the animals in their care.
All previous language regulating breeders was removed from the bill prior to passage.
For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.