STATEMENT TO

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, No. 3531

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed by Senator GOPAL)

ADOPTED: JUNE 20, 2019

      These amendments provide that the bill does not apply to, and does not prohibit the temporary leasing or rental of the following animals, provided the animals are used in accordance with applicable federal, State and local animal protection laws:

      (1)  A purebred cat or dog which is leased for the express purpose of breeding pursuant to a written lease recorded with a national purebred dog or cat registry, and which lease is for a specific time and has an established end-date; or

      (2)  An animal trained or utilized to perform tasks, including, but not limited to, guide dogs, security dogs, law enforcement dogs, and other assistance animals.