Amend the bill, as and if amended, Part IB, Section 91, LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT, by striking proviso 91.31 (LEG: Pet Care and Humane Treatment Study Committee) and inserting:
/91._ (LEG: Pet Care and Humane Treatment Study Committee) From the funds appropriated to the Senate and the House of Representatives, there is established the Pet Care and Humane Treatment Study Committee to review, study, and make recommendations concerning the need for improved oversight and regulation in the state.
The study committee shall:
(1) Identify issues related to pets including but not limited to breeding, adoption, purchase, veterinary care, transportation, and sale of pets out of state;
(2) identify and categorize a statewide estimate of the historical and current private non-profit animal shelters in the state, rescue shelters, county animal shelters and municipal animal shelters;
(3) Identify and categorize the range of services offered in an animal shelter including kenneling, grooming and veterinary services;
(4) Identify and categorize any limitations on services based on income status or other poverty measures;
(5) Identify any underserved areas of the state for basic veterinary services;
(6) Identify concerns related to unhealthy breeding practices;
(7) Identify and quantify the sale of pets by animal shelters to out of state individuals or organizations;
(8) Identify how animals are transported to other states and any regulation that might apply;
(9) Review the animal cruelty laws and determine if the enforcement and penalties are working;
(10) Review appointments to the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to determine if it needs any updating or structural change; and
(11) Recommend changes to public policy, regulations, or statutes that would improve the overall health and safety of animal shelters, breeding practices, sale and transportation of pets.
The Study Committee shall be composed of eleven members. The Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee shall appoint the following four members: (1) a member of the Senate; (2) a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine residing in South Carolina; (3) a representative from an animal shelter located in this state; (4) a representative from the American Kennel Club; and (5) a representative of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee shall appoint the following four members: (1) a member of the House of Representatives; (2) a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine residing in South Carolina; (3) a representative from the National Humane Society; and (4) a representative of the South Carolina Association of Counties. The Governor shall appoint one member to represent the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. The Commissioner of Agriculture shall appoint one member.
The appointed Senator shall serve as the study committee chairman. The members of the study committee shall serve without compensation and may not receive mileage or per diem. Staff from the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and staff from the House of Representatives Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee shall provide support for this study committee.
The study committee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly during the 2017 legislative session, at which time the study committee shall cease to exist./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend sections, totals and title to conform.