Link to Dog Bite/Dangerous Dog:
Links to Dog Laws on Anti-Cruelty Page:
§ 102.5 . Dogfighting; training and possession of dogs for fighting
§ 102.6 . Seizure and destruction or disposition of dogs and equipment used in dogfighting
§ 102.7 . Search warrant for dogfighting offenses
§ 102.8 . Injuring or killing of a police animal
§ 102.12 . Definitions
§ 102.13 . Hearing to determine if dog is dangerous or vicious
§ 102.14 . Unlawful ownership of dangerous dog
§ 102.15 . Unlawful ownership of a vicious dog
§ 102.16 . Seizure and destruction or disposition of dangerous or vicious dogs
§ 102.17 . Registration of dangerous dogs; fees
§ 102.18 . Seizure and disposition of dogs which cause death or inflict bodily injury
§ 102.19 . Hog and canine fighting prohibited; penalties
§ 102.22 . Harboring or concealing an animal which has bitten or inflicted serious bodily injury on a human
§ 102.26 . Unlawful restraint of a dog; definitions; penalties
§ 102.27. Unlawful sale of a live dog or cat at certain locations
Title 3. Agriculture and Forestry. Chapter 17. Cruelty to Animals.
Part IV. Abandoned Animals
§ 2451 . Short title
§ 2452 . Abandoned animals
§ 2453 . Notice requirements; freedom from liability
§ 2454 . Sale or disposal of animal; disposition of sale proceeds
Part V. Minimum Standards for Animal Shelters
§ 2461 . Authority of parish governing authorities to adopt Part
§ 2462 . Definitions
§ 2463 . General shelter standards
§ 2464 . Shelter construction
§ 2465 . Operating procedures
§ 2466. Euthanasia of animals for research or biological supply
Part VI. Pet Overpopulation Control
§ 2471 . Definitions
§ 2472 . Sterilization required
§ 2473 . Adoption standards
§ 2474 . Confirmation of sterilization
§ 2475 . Exceptions
§ 2476 . Fees
Part VIII. Retail Pet Sales
§ 2511. Restrictions on the retail sale of dogs and cats
Title 3. Agriculture and Forestry. Chapter 18. Animals Running at Large.
Part I. Municipal Regulation of Livestock Running at Large.
§ 2651 . Definitions
§ 2652 . Liability for injury to livestock caused by dog
§ 2653 . Unnecessary to prove knowledge that dog would injure livestock
§ 2654 . Right to kill dog harassing livestock
Subpart B. Authority of Police Jury to Protect Livestock
§ 2691 . Police juries authorized to protect livestock
Title 13. Courts and Judicial Procedure. Chapter 35. Sheriffs. Part I. General Provisions
§ 5544. Trailing dogs for pursuing criminals and other purposes
§ 5545. Purchase and maintenance of dogs
Chapter 18. Animals Running at Large.
Part IV. Dogs--Regulation by Local Authorities
§ 2731 . Parishes and municipalities may regulate
§ 2732. Repealed by Acts 1982, No. 101, § 4, eff. July 11, 1982
§§ 2733 to 2737. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 108, § 2
Part V. Dog License Tax
§ 2771 . Dogs not to run at large
§ 2772 . Dog, cat, and kennel licenses fee and certificate; records
§ 2773 . Dogs as personal property; seizure of dogs running at large or on property fenced as a fox pen; notice to owner; dangerous or vicious dogs
§ 2774 . Parishes to provide animal facilities
§ 2775 . Use of dogs for hunting
§ 2776 . Time for paying dog license tax
§ 2777 . Penalty for violating this Part or disturbing dog's collar or license tax tag
§ 2778 . Municipal and parish governing authorities
Title 40. Public Health and Safety. Chapter 5-F. Health Provisions: Public Health. Subchapter A. Public Health--General. Part V. Rabies Control
§ 1269.1. Citation of Part
§ 1269.2. Definitions
§ 1269.3. Authority to enact regulations for control of rabies
§ 1269.4. Penalty
§§ 1270, 1271. Repealed by Acts 1984, No. 800, § 4, eff. July 13, 1984
Title 49. State Administration. Chapter 1. General Provisions. Part VIII. State Symbols and Display of Flags
§ 165. State dog
Title 56. Wildlife and Fisheries. Chapter 1. General Provisions for Wildlife and Fisheries. Part IV. Wild Birds and Wild Quadrupeds. Subpart A. Hunting.
§ 124.1 . Dogs; regulation of; police juries
§ 141 . Training of dogs during closed season; taking of certain pen-raised birds for the purposes of field trials and hunting dog training
Title 3. Agriculture and Forestry. Chapter 17. Cruelty to Animals. Part IV. Abandoned Animals
This Part may be referred to as the Louisiana Abandoned Animals Act.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 1978, No. 692, § 1.
A. An animal shall be considered abandoned when the owner thereof has not paid the charge for veterinary services, including medical, or for boarding, within ten days after rendition to the owner of the invoice for such services or boarding and no other agreement with the owner has been reached for the payment of such charge for services or boarding. The person to whom the charges are due may then give notice, as provided in R.S. 3:2453.
B. After a declared emergency, an animal shall be considered abandoned when such animal is receiving temporary shelter services in a facility operated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the owner has not claimed the animal within thirty days of the declared emergency and a reasonable effort has been made to contact the owner.
C. The owner of an abandoned animal shall be deemed to have relinquished all rights and claims to such animal by virtue of such abandonment, except as provided in R.S. 3:2454(B).
Credits
Added by Acts 1978, No. 692, § 1. Amended by Acts 1997, No. 976, § 1; Acts 2008, No. 920, § 1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2017, No. 41, § 1.
§ 2453. Notice requirements; freedom from liability
A. The notice required in R.S. 3:2452(A) above shall be given to the owner of the animal or the owner's agent at his last known address by registered mail or by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall contain a statement that if the animal is not claimed within ten days after receipt of the notice, the animal may be sold, donated, turned over to the nearest humane society or animal control center, or otherwise disposed of as the person having custody of the animal may deem proper.
B. In the event that the notice described in Subsection A cannot be delivered for any reason, or in the event that such notice is returned as “refused”, “addressee unknown”, “not at this address”, or other similar designation, then the animal may be sold, donated, turned over to the nearest humane society or animal control agency, or otherwise disposed of as the person having custody of the animal may deem proper.
C. The receipt of notice by the owner or his agent, or the return as “refused”, “addressee unknown”, “not at this address”, or other similar designation, whichever is applicable, shall relieve the custodian of any liability for the sale, donation, euthanasia, or other disposal of the animal.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 1978, No. 692, § 1. Amended by Acts 1997, No. 976, § 1; Acts 2008, No. 920, § 1, eff. July 14, 2008.
§ 2454. Sale or disposal of animal; disposition of sale proceeds
A. If, in accordance with the notice, the animal is sold at public or private sale, the proceeds shall be applied to the amount, if any, due the custodian for any goods or services furnished to the animal, including all reasonable charges of notice, advertisement, and sale. The balance, if any, shall be paid to the owner of the animal, and the custodian shall retain the right to proceed against the owner for any deficiency.
B. Prior to the time of sale of such animal or transfer thereof to the nearest humane society or animal control agency, or other disposal thereof, any person claiming the right of property or possession of such animal may pay the amount necessary to satisfy the charges for services rendered to the animal, or on behalf of the animal, including all reasonable charges of notice and sale. Upon payment of this amount, the animal shall be delivered to the person making the demand, if he is entitled to possession. Otherwise the animal shall be retained according to the terms of the notice, and shall be sold, or otherwise disposed of.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 1978, No. 692, § 1.
§ 2461. Authority of parish governing authorities to adopt Part
In addition to and supplemental with any other authority granted to parish governing authorities by law, a parish governing authority may adopt an ordinance establishing minimum standards for animal shelters within the parish consistent with the provisions of this Part.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 1985, No. 806, § 1, eff. July 22, 1985.
As used in this Part, the following words shall have the following meanings ascribed to them:
(1) “Animal dealer” means a person who receives payment for the transportation or delivery for transportation of any living or dead animal or who buys, sells, or negotiates the purchase or sale of any living or dead animal for research, teaching, exhibition, or biological supply.
(2) “Animal shelter” means any building, structure, site, enclosure, or other facility used or operated for the housing or keeping of any stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals including any facility designated by the parish governing authority for the keeping or housing of any impounded animals.
(3) “Biological supply facility” means any blood bank, laboratory, firm, association, corporation, copartnership, or educational institution that sells biological materials, including blood or living or dead animals, to research facilities, educational institutions, or veterinarians.
(4) “Cruelty” means every act or failure to act whereby unjustifiable physical pain or suffering is caused or permitted.
(5) “Euthanasia” or “euthanize” means the act of inducing a painless death upon an animal in a humane manner.
(6) “Person” means an individual, corporation, or association.
(7) “Primary enclosure” means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal or animals to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, run, cage, compartment, or hutch.
(8) “Research facility” means any school, institution, organization, or person that uses or intends to use animals in research or experiments.
(9) “Social media account” means an internet-based service that allows individuals to do the following:
(a) Construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system created by the service.
(b) Create a list of other users with whom they share a connection within the system.
(c) View and navigate their list of connections and those made by others within the system.
Credits
Added by Acts 1985, No. 806, § 1, eff. July 22, 1985. Amended by Acts 2017, No. 184, § 1; Acts 2019, No. 383, § 1.
§ 2463. General shelter standards
A. Shelters shall be open for redemption and adoption of animals during posted or normal business hours. Hours of operation and emergency telephone number shall be prominently displayed.
B. Sewage disposal of waste matter shall comply with existing parish and state codes for sanitation.
C. (1) Shelters shall be inspected at least once every six months by an authorized representative of the parish to determine compliance with the requirements of this Part. Additional inspections shall be made promptly upon receipt of a bonafide complaint.
(2) The parish shall notify the director of the animal control agency or shelter of the inspector's name in writing. Each individual authorized to conduct shelter inspections for the parish shall annually attend training offered by an organization that provides accredited continuing education courses regarding shelter safety, animal welfare, and state compliance procedures, such as the Louisiana Animal Control Association. The training requirement shall apply only if an online training option is available. All training required by this Paragraph shall be approved by the state veterinarian.
D. Fees must be visibly posted and registered with the parish governing authority.
E. Shelter personnel shall annually attend training offered by an organization that provides accredited continuing education courses regarding shelter safety, animal welfare, and state compliance procedures, such as the Louisiana Animal Control Association and should be trained as to animal health, disease control, humane care and treatment, animal control and transportation of animals. Shelter workers shall be fundamentally humane, shall be able to identify and understand the principal animal diseases and injuries, and should have good judgment and even temperament. The training requirement shall apply only if an online training option is available. All training required by this Subsection shall be approved by the state veterinarian.
Credits
Added by Acts 1985, No. 806, § 1, eff. July 22, 1985. Amended by Acts 2017, No. 184, § 1.
A. Floors and walls of animal holding areas shall be constructed of smooth, moisture impervious material and shall be accessible for cleaning.
B. All animal holding areas shall be sloped to a drain connected to a sanitary sewer or an approved individual sewerage system.
C. Rabies quarantine kennels shall be constructed such that they are isolated from all other kennels.
D. All animal rooms must have operable floor drains.
E. Facilities, general.
(1) Structural strength. Housing facilities for dogs or cats shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair, to protect the animal from injury, to contain the animals, and to restrict the entrance of other animals.
(2) Water and electric power. Reliable and adequate electric power, if required to comply with other provisions of this Part, and adequate potable water shall be available.
(3) Storage. Supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in facilities which adequately protect such supplies against infestation or contamination by vermin. Refrigeration shall be provided for supplies of perishable food.
(4) Waste disposal. Provisions shall be made for the removal and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, dead animals, and debris. Disposal facilities shall be so provided and operated as to minimize vermin infestations, odors, and disease hazards.
(5) Washrooms and sinks. Facilities, such as washrooms, basins, or sinks, shall be provided to maintain cleanliness among animal caretakers.
F. Facilities, indoor.
(1) Heating. Indoor housing facilities for dogs or cats shall be sufficiently heated when necessary to protect the dogs or cats from cold, and to provide for their health and comfort. The ambient temperature shall not be allowed to fall below fifty degrees Fahrenheit for dogs and cats not acclimated to lower temperatures.
(2) Ventilation. Indoor housing facilities for dogs or cats shall be adequately ventilated to provide for the health and comfort of the animals at all times. Such facilities shall be provided with fresh air either by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning and shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Auxiliary ventilation, such as exhaust fans and vents of air conditioning, shall be provided when the ambient temperature is eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
(3) Lighting. Indoor housing facilities for dogs or cats shall have ample light, by natural or artificial means, or both, of good quality and well distributed. Such lighting shall provide uniformly distributed illumination of sufficient light intensity to permit routine inspection and cleaning during the entire working period. Primary enclosures shall be so placed as to protect the dogs and cats from excessive illumination.
(4) Interior surfaces. The interior building surfaces of indoor housing facilities shall be constructed and maintained so that they are substantially impervious to moisture and may be readily sanitized.
(5) Drainage. A suitable method shall be provided to rapidly eliminate excess water from indoor housing facilities. If drains are used, they shall be properly constructed and kept in good repair to avoid foul odors therefrom. If closed drainage systems are used, they shall be equipped with traps and so installed as to prevent any backup of sewage onto the floor of the room.
G. Facilities, outdoor.
(1) Shelter from sunlight. When sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort, sufficient shade shall be provided to allow all dogs and cats kept outdoors to protect themselves from the direct rays of the sun.
(2) Shelter from rain or snow. Dogs and cats kept outdoors shall be provided with access to shelter to allow them to remain dry during rain or snow.
(3) Shelter from cold weather. Shelter shall be provided for all dogs and cats kept outdoors when the atmospheric temperature falls below fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Sufficient clean bedding material or other means of protection from the weather elements shall be provided when the ambient temperature falls below that temperature to which a dog or cat is acclimated.
(4) Drainage. A suitable method shall be provided to rapidly eliminate excess water.
H. Primary enclosures for dogs and cats shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Primary enclosures shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the dogs and cats from injury, to contain them, and to keep predators out.
(2) Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to enable the dogs and cats to remain dry and clean.
(3) Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so that the dogs and cats will have convenient access to clean food and water as required in this Part.
(4) The floors of primary enclosures shall be constructed so as to protect the dogs' and cats' feet and legs from injury.
(5) Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each dog and cat to turn about freely and to easily stand, sit, and lie in a comfortable, normal position.
(6) Primary enclosures for housing cats which have a solid floor shall contain a receptacle with sufficient clean litter to contain excreta.
(7) Primary enclosures for housing cats shall be provided with a solid resting surface or surfaces which, in the aggregate, shall be of adequate size to comfortably hold all of the occupants of the primary enclosure at the same time. The resting surface or surfaces shall be elevated in primary enclosures housing two or more cats.
(8) Primary enclosures for housing cats shall provide a minimum of two and one-half square feet of floor space per cat.
(9) Primary enclosures for housing dogs shall provide a minimum floor space for each dog equal to the mathematical square of the sum of the length of the dog in inches, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, plus six inches expressed in square feet. This requirement shall be computed as follows: (length of dog in inches plus six inches) times (length of dog in inches plus six inches) divided by one hundred forty-four inches equals minimum square footage per dog.
(10) No more than twelve adult dogs shall be housed in the same primary enclosure.
(11) Dog houses with chains. If dog houses with chains are used as primary enclosures for dogs kept outdoors, the chains used shall be so placed or attached that they cannot become entangled with the chains of other dogs or any other objects. Such chains shall be of a type commonly used for the size dog involved and shall be attached to the dog by means of a well-fitted collar. Such chains shall be at least three times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail and shall allow the dog convenient access to the dog house.
I. All animal cages or holding pens shall allow sufficient room for all animals to lie down, turn around, stand, or sit in a normal position.
J. Adequate office space for record keeping shall be provided and maintained.
K. A receiving area shall be provided for the public to bring in, reclaim, or adopt animals.
L. A room and table shall be provided for euthanasia and for holding carcasses.
M. Each shelter shall have running hot water (at least one hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit) and cold water available for cleaning at all times.
N. Self-feeders, if used, shall be mounted so animals cannot urinate or defecate in them.
O. Animals housed in primary enclosures with wire floors shall be provided a solid resting platform constructed of a smooth surface and moisture impervious material.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 1985, No. 806, § 1, eff. July 22, 1985.
A. Separation of animals.
(1) Dogs shall be separated from cats.
(2) Sick animals shall be separated from healthy animals.
(3) Puppies and kittens must be separated from adult animals unless nursing.
(4) Unneutered males shall be separated from females.
(5) Injured animals shall be separated from uninjured animals.
(6) Animals involved in bite or scratch cases shall be separated from all other animals with a maximum of one such animal per cage.
(7) Nursing mothers with litter shall be separated from all other animals.
B. Animal care.
(1) All dogs over three months of age shall be fed at least once daily; providing at least one-half pound of food per twenty-five pounds of bodyweight per dog. All dogs under three months shall have appropriate dry food available at all times or be fed a minimum of three times per day.
(2) All kittens and adult cats shall have appropriate dry or semi-moist food available at all times.
(3) Clean, fresh water shall be available at all times for all animals.
(4) Animals other than dogs and cats shall be fed and watered as required by the species.
(5) Each animal shall be observed daily for sickness, disease, injury, abnormal behavior, external parasites, or lameness by the animal caretaker in charge, or by someone under his direct supervision.
(6) Any ill or injured animal shall be isolated and made as comfortable as possible until veterinary care is obtained or the animal is euthanized if in legal compliance.
(7) Any dead animals shall be removed from kennel area and immediately and properly disposed of.
(8) The following procedures shall be performed daily:
(a) Isolate animals prior to cleaning so that no animal is exposed to water and/or disinfectant while cleaning.
(b) Pick up droppings and dispose of properly.
(c) Disinfect floor and wash down animal holding areas with water under pressure.
(d) All standing water shall be removed before returning animals.
(e) Provide fresh food and water.
(f) Clean cat litter boxes (replace cat litter at least weekly).
(g) Clean gutters and check drains.
(h) Clean aisles, floors, sinks, and kitchen.
(i) Clean inside area of debris, trash, and dirt.
(j) Shelter grounds shall be kept mowed and free of standing water, trash, and debris.
(k) Clean beds and resting boards.
(l) Wash food and water dishes with hot soapy water and cleanse with water to remove disinfectant or soap.
C. Euthanasia.
(1) Euthanasia methods and procedures must conform with recommendations outlined in the report of the American Veterinary Medical Association on Euthanasia, dated July 1, 1978, or as revised except as provided in Paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Subsection.
(2) Euthanasia by carbon monoxide gas chambers on cats and dogs shall be prohibited beginning on January 1, 2013 and thereafter.
(3) Euthanasia by intracardiac injection on cats and dogs shall be prohibited unless the animal is unconscious or rendered completely unconscious and insensitive to pain through the injection of an anesthetic.
(4) Euthanasia personnel shall attend the Humane Society of the United States Academy on Euthanasia or an equivalent program within one year of date of employment.
D. Records.
(1) A record shall be prepared for every animal that enters the shelter and shall include description of animal; veterinary treatment; length of time held; fees collected; and date euthanized, died, reclaimed, or adopted.
(2) Daily receipts for donations, animal impoundment fees, and adoptions shall be permanently recorded and filed.
(3) Records shall be available for inspection at all times.
E. Posting of pictures. Any animal shelter that maintains a social media account or a website may post pictures of every animal that enters the shelter upon intake and again prior to euthanasia of the animal.
Credits
Added by Acts 1985, No. 806, § 1, eff. July 22, 1985. Amended by Acts 2010, No. 764, § 1, eff. June 30, 2010; Acts 2017, No. 184, § 1.
§ 2466. Euthanasia of animals for research or biological supply
A. (1) An animal shelter that turns over euthanized animals to a research facility or biological supply facility shall post and maintain a sign in a place where it is clearly visible to all persons turning animals over to the shelter. The sign shall contain the following statement: “Animals Euthanized at This Shelter May Be Used for Educational or Research Purposes or to Supply Blood, Tissue, or Other Biological Products”.
(2) The statement shall also be included on owner surrender forms in a size and style of font designed to be clearly visible to the owner.
B. No animal shelter or other person that accepts animals from the public or takes in stray or unwanted animals shall euthanize an animal for the sole purpose of transferring the carcass to a research facility, biological supply facility, or animal dealer.
C. No animal shelter or other person that accepts animals from the public or takes in stray or unwanted animals shall sell a living animal to a research facility, biological supply facility, animal dealer, or other person for the purpose of research or experimentation.
D. An animal shelter or other person that accepts animals from the public or takes in stray or unwanted animals may give or transfer a living animal for the purpose of research or instruction only if:
(1) Reasonable efforts to place the animal in a suitable environment outside of the shelter have been exhausted.
(2) The animal is being given or transferred for one of the following reasons:
(a) Instructional purposes, including necessary spay or neuter surgeries.
(b) Research as part of a clinical trial using drugs or treatments already approved by the United States Department of Agriculture or United States Food and Drug Administration.
(c) Research determined by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee to be deemed non-invasive.
(3) When possible, the living animal is returned to its originating facility at the conclusion of the research or instruction.
(4) Every precaution has been taken to minimize pain to the animal.
E. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a research facility from working in collaboration with an animal shelter to investigate problems and provide services to shelter animals.
F. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars for each separate act of violation.
Credits
Added by Acts 2019, No. 383, § 1.
As used in this Part the following words shall have the following meanings ascribed to them:
(1) “Adopter” means a person who is legally competent to enter into a contract and who is adopting or buying a dog or cat from a releasing agency.
(2) “Adult animal” means any dog or cat that has reached the age of one hundred eighty days or six months or more.
(3) “Releasing agency” means an animal pound, shelter, humane organization, or animal control agency, whether public or private. The term does not include an individual who occasionally renders humane assistance or shelter in the individual's home to a dog or cat.
(4) “Sterilization” means the surgical removal of the reproductive organs of a dog or cat in order to render the animal unable to reproduce.
Credits
Added by Acts 1990, No. 567, § 1, eff. July 19, 1990.
§ 2472. Sterilization required
A. Provisions shall be made for the sterilization of all dogs and cats sold or released for adoption or purchased from any public or private animal shelter or animal control agency operated by a humane society or by a parish, city, or other political subdivision by either:
(1) Providing sterilization by a Louisiana licensed veterinarian or an individual that meets the qualifications contained in R.S. 37:1514(2) provided that individual is in their fourth year or the second semester of their third year of veterinary school before relinquishing custody of the animal.
(2) Entering into a written agreement with the adopter or purchaser guaranteeing that sterilization will be performed by a Louisiana licensed veterinarian or an individual that meets the qualifications contained in R.S. 37:1514(2) provided that individual is in their fourth year or the second semester of their third year of veterinary school in compliance with a sterilization agreement that shall contain the following information:
(a) The date of the agreement.
(b) The name, address, and signature of the releasing agency and the adopter.
(c) A description of the animal to be adopted.
(d) A sterilization completion date which shall be either:
(i) The thirtieth day after the date of adoption in the case of an adult animal.
(ii) The thirtieth day after a specified date estimated to be the date an adopted infant female or male puppy or kitten becomes six months of age.
(iii) If the releasing agency has a written policy recommending sterilization of certain infant animals at an earlier date, the thirtieth day after the date contained in the written policy.
(e) A statement, printed in conspicuous bold print, that sterilization of the animal is required under R.S. 3:2472.
B. Except as provided by this Subsection, an adopter that signs an agreement under R.S. 3:2472(A)(2) shall have the adopted animal sterilized on or before the sterilization date stated in the agreement. If the sterilization completion date stated in the agreement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline shall be extended to the first day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. The releasing agency may extend the deadline for thirty days on the presentation of a letter or telephone report from a Louisiana licensed veterinarian stating that the life or health of the adopted animal may be jeopardized by sterilization. There shall be no limit to the number of extensions that may be granted for this reason.
Credits
Added by Acts 1990, No. 567, § 1, eff. July 19, 1990. Amended by Acts 2021, No. 178, § 1.
A. Each releasing agency shall agree to give title, possession, and control of the animal as long as the adopter complies with the terms and conditions of the agreement as set forth in R.S. 3:2472.
B. Failure by either party to comply with any provision of the adoption agreement as set forth in R.S. 3:2472 may give rise to a cause of action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Credits
Added by Acts 1990, No. 567, § 1, eff. July 19, 1990.
§ 2474. Confirmation of sterilization
The releasing agency shall consider the animal sterilized upon receipt of written confirmation signed by the Louisiana licensed veterinarian who performed the sterilization.
Credits
Added by Acts 1990, No. 567, § 1, eff. July 19, 1990.
A. The sterilization requirements of this Part do not apply to a dog or cat that is claimed from a releasing agency by a person who already owns the animal.
B. This Part does not apply to a releasing agency located in a municipality that has in effect an ordinance providing standards for dog and cat sterilization that exceed the requirements of this Part.
C. The provisions of this Part shall not apply to animals sold or released from any humane society, public or private shelter, or animal control agency to the United States armed forces, police or other law enforcement agencies, licensed veterinary facilities, or to licensed medical facilities.
D. Repealed by Acts 2011, No. 225, § 1.
Credits
Added by Acts 1990, No. 567, § 1, eff. July 19, 1990.
All costs of sterilization pursuant to this Part shall be paid by the prospective adopter or purchaser, unless otherwise provided.
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 1992, No. 131, § 1.
Part VIII. Retail Pet Sales
§ 2511. Restrictions on the retail sale of dogs and cats
A. As used in this Part, the following terms are defined as follows:
(1) “Animal care facility” means an animal control center or animal shelter, maintained by or under contract with any state, parish, or municipality, whose mission or practice is protecting the welfare of animals and the placement of animals in permanent homes or with animal rescue organizations.
(2) “Animal rescue organization” means any not-for-profit organization which has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose mission and practice is the rescue of animals and the placement of those animals in permanent homes, and which does not obtain dogs or cats from a breeder or broker for payment or compensation.
(3) “Breeder” means a person who holds a class A license pursuant to the federal Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131, et seq., that has not been suspended in the last five years.
(4) “Cat” means a member of the Felis catus family.
(5) “Dog” means a member of the Canis familiaris family, or hybrid thereof.
(6) “Offer for sale” means to sell, offer for sale or adoption, barter, auction, give away, or otherwise dispose of a dog or cat.
(7) “Retail pet store” means a retail establishment where dogs or cats are sold, exchanged, bartered, or offered for sale as pet animals to the general public at retail. Such definition shall not include an animal care facility or animal rescue organization.
(8) “USDA” means the United States Department of Agriculture.
B. A retail pet store shall offer for sale only dogs and cats that have been obtained from the following sources:
(1) A breeder that is in compliance with R.S. 3:2772(H).
(2) A breeder that has not received from the USDA, pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq., or regulations adopted thereunder, any of the following:
(a) A citation on an inspection report for a direct violation during the three-year period prior to the purchase of the dog or cat by the pet store.
(b) A citation on an inspection report during the three-year period prior to the purchase of the animal by the pet store for three or more indirect violations.
(c) A citation on the two most recent inspection reports prior to the purchase of the animal by the pet store for no-access violations.
(3) An animal care facility.
(4) An animal rescue organization.
C. A retail pet store shall not offer for sale a dog or cat that is younger than eight weeks old.
D. Each retail pet store offering dogs or cats for sale shall post, in a conspicuous location on the cage or enclosure for each dog or cat, a sign containing the name of the breeder, the breeder's USDA license number, and, if the breeder is required to be licensed in the state in which the breeder is located, the breeder's state license number.
E. Every retail pet store offering dogs or cats for sale shall maintain records of the source of each dog or cat, including a description of the dog or cat, the name, business address, email address, and USDA license number of the breeder for at least two years following the date of acquisition. Such records shall be made available, immediately upon request, to any law enforcement officer or animal control officer.
F. Nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit a municipality or parish from enacting ordinances or regulations establishing more stringent restrictions governing the sale of animals at retail pet stores.
Credits
Added by Acts 2016, No. 618, § 1, eff. June 17, 2016.
Title 13. Courts and Judicial Procedure. Chapter 35. Sheriffs. Part I. General Provisions
§ 5544. Trailing dogs for pursuing criminals and other purposes
A sheriff of any parish may keep dogs on hand for the purpose of tracing and pursuing criminals and fugitives from justice and in pursuance of the duties of his office.
Credits
Redesignated from R.S. 33:1438 by Acts 2011, No. 248, § 3. Amended by Acts 1995, No. 147, § 1.
§ 5545. Purchase and maintenance of dogs
The dogs shall be purchased and furnished by the sheriffs at the expense of the parish at a price not to exceed five hundred dollars per dog; each sheriff shall be allowed by the parish twenty dollars per month per dog for the maintenance and training of the dogs.
Credits
Redesignated from R.S. 33:1439 by Acts 2011, No. 248, § 3. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 527, § 1.
Chapter 18. Animals Running at Large. Part III. Dogs Harassing or Injuring Livestock. Subpart A. Liability of Owner of Dog
As used in this Part, “livestock” means any animal bred, kept, maintained, raised, or used for show, profit, or for the purpose of selling or otherwise producing crops, animals, or plant or animal products for market. The term “livestock” shall include cattle, buffalo, bison, oxen, and other bovine; horses, mules, donkeys, and other equine; sheep; goats; swine; domestic rabbits; fish, turtles, and other animals identified with aquaculture that are located in artificial reservoirs or enclosures that are both on privately owned property and constructed so as to prevent, at all times, the ingress and egress of fish life from public waters; imported exotic deer and antelope, elk, farm-raised white-tailed deer, farm-raised ratites, and other farm-raised exotic animals; chickens, turkeys, and other poultry; and animals placed under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of agriculture and forestry and any hybrid, mixture, or mutation of any such animal.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 2003, No. 4, § 1, eff. May 8, 2003. Amended by Acts 2008, No. 920, § 1, eff. July 14, 2008.
§ 2652. Liability for injury to livestock caused by dog
Any owner, harborer, or possessor of any dog that kills, harasses, or wounds livestock shall be liable to the owner of the livestock for the damages sustained, to be recovered before any court of competent jurisdiction.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 2003, No. 4, § 1, eff. May 8, 2003.
§ 2653. Unnecessary to prove knowledge that dog would injure livestock
In the prosecution of actions under this Subpart, it shall not be necessary for the plaintiff to show that the owner, harborer, or possessor of the dog had knowledge of the fact that the animal would kill, harass, or wound livestock.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 2003, No. 4, § 1, eff. May 8, 2003.
§ 2654. Right to kill dog harassing livestock
Any person finding any dog not on the premises of its owner, harborer, or possessor, which is harassing, wounding, or killing livestock, may, at the time of finding the dog, kill him, and the owner shall not be able to sustain any action for damages against the person killing the dog.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 2003, No. 4, § 1, eff. May 8, 2003.
Subpart B. Authority of Police Jury to Protect Livestock
§ 2691. Police juries authorized to protect livestock
The police juries of the different parishes may enact such ordinances as they in their discretion deem necessary for the protection of the livestock industries in their respective parishes.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 2003, No. 4, § 1, eff. May 8, 2003.
Part IV. Dogs--Regulation by Local Authorities
§ 2731. Parishes and municipalities may regulate
The governing bodies of all parishes and municipalities may adopt ordinances regulating dogs running at large; regulating or prohibiting vicious or dangerous dogs; or to limit the enforcement of said ordinances or the imposition of fees and fines thereunder. In addition, such ordinances may provide for the utilization of the proceeds of dog and cat license fees and fines for the operation of its animal control program or for the effective enforcement of its animal control ordinances.
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 2010, No. 108, § 1.
§ 2732. Repealed by Acts 1982, No. 101, § 4, eff. July 11, 1982
§ 2733. - §§ 2733 to 2737. Repealed by Acts 2010, No. 108, § 2
Part V. Dog License Tax
§ 2771. Dogs not to run at large
No person shall suffer or permit any dog in his possession, or kept by him about his premises, to run at large on any unenclosed land, or trespass upon any enclosed or unenclosed lands of another.
Source:
Acts 1918, No. 239, § 1.
§ 2772. Dog, cat, and kennel licenses fee and certificate; records
A. Each parish or municipality that levies a license fee on dogs and cats shall issue a metallic license tag to each dog or cat owner who applies therefor and pays the dog or cat license fee imposed by the issuing parish or municipality. The license tag shall contain a license number, the name of the issuing body and the calendar year for which such tag is issued. The tag shall be fastened upon the collar worn by the dog or cat owned or kept by such person. A license certificate shall also be issued for such license fee showing the name and address of the owner, a description of the dog or cat by sex and color, the breed of the dog or cat if known, and the year and number of the license tag. A record of all such information shall be kept by the issuing authority which shall be open to the public during regular business hours.
B. The governing body of each municipality or parish may, by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the dog or cat license fee, which sum shall not be more than ten dollars for each spayed or neutered dog or cat and not more than twenty dollars for each unspayed or unneutered dog or cat. However, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, the governing body of any municipality or parish with a population in excess of four hundred seventy-five thousand persons may, by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the dog or cat license fee, which sum shall not be more than ten dollars for each spayed or neutered dog or cat and not more than twenty dollars for each unspayed or unneutered dog or cat, and any such funds derived from said license fee shall be dedicated solely for the capture, control, and housing of stray animals.
C. For the purposes of this Section, a dog or cat shall be considered spayed or neutered whenever any of the following is applicable:
(1) Upon presentation of a certificate issued by any licensed veterinarian stating that the dog or cat, if female, was made incapable of producing young by spaying by the veterinarian, or, the dog or cat, if male, was made incapable of producing young by sterilization by the veterinarian.
(2) Upon examination by a licensed veterinarian any dog or cat, whether male or female, is certified by the veterinarian to be incapable of producing young.
(3) If the dog or cat has been previously licensed as a spayed or neutered dog or cat.
D. Dogs used as guides for blind persons and commonly known as “seeing-eye” dogs or dogs used to assist deaf persons and commonly known as “hearing-ear” dogs, may be licensed as other dogs herein provided for, except that the owner or keeper of such dog shall not be required to pay any fee therefor.
E. The owner or keeper of five or more dogs may procure a kennel license and pay a kennel license fee in lieu of the individual dog licenses and license fees provided for herein. The governing body of each municipality or parish, may by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the kennel license fee, which sum shall be a minimum of:
(1) Fifteen dollars if no more than five dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(2) Twenty-five dollars if more than five dogs but no more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(3) Thirty dollars if more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary clinic shall be exempt from this provision in the conduct of their regular business.
F. Upon the issuance of a kennel license, the owner shall be furnished a number of license tags equal to the number of dogs harbored on the owner's premises. All of the provisions contained in Subsection (A) of this Section with regard to issuance of license tag, license certificates and the keeping of records shall also apply to kennel licenses.
G. Any individual or business with five or more dogs and who breeds and sells dogs retail, wholesale, or to the public is required to procure a kennel license and pay a kennel license fee in lieu of the individual dog licenses and license fees provided for herein. The governing body of each municipality or parish may, by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for the kennel license fee, which sum shall be dedicated solely for animal impoundment facilities and be a minimum of:
(1) Fifteen dollars, if no more than five dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(2) Twenty-five dollars, if more than five dogs but no more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
(3) Thirty dollars, if more than ten dogs over the age of six months are harbored on the owner's premises at the time of the application.
H. No individual or business that breeds, buys, or sells dogs retail, wholesale, or to the public shall maintain more than seventy-five dogs over the age of one year at any time for breeding purposes.
I. At the time of application for an initial or renewal kennel license, an applicant shall provide the governing body of the parish or municipality with a statement that is signed and dated and includes both of the following:
(1) The applicant's Class A or Class B animal dealer's license number issued by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to provisions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq., or the reason the applicant is not required to hold either license.
(2) The applicant's sales tax identification number or the reason the applicant is not required to have a sales tax identification number.
J. Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 1982, No. 101, § 1, eff. July 11, 1982; Acts 1991, No. 940, § 1; Acts 2008, No. 894, § 1; Acts 2010, No. 92, § 1 . Amended by 2015 La. Sess. Law Serv. Act 365 (H.B. 847)
§ 2773. Dogs as personal property; seizure of dogs running at large or on property fenced as a fox pen; notice to owner; dangerous or vicious dogs
A. Dogs owned by citizens of this state and by citizens of other states and situated and located in this state are declared to be personal property of such citizens.
B. Any citizen may, or the sheriff, constable, or other police officers of any parish, ward, or municipality shall seize any dog found unaccompanied by its owner or keeper and running at large on any road, street, or other public place, or trespassing on any premises other than the premises of the owner. If the dog is wearing a collar bearing a tag showing the name and address of its owner, it shall be impounded and the citizen or officer so seizing and impounding the dog shall immediately thereafter by written notice notify the owner of the dog, at the address disclosed by the tag on the dog's collar, that the dog has been seized and impounded by him, and unless the owner or keeper of the dog shall, within seven days from the receipt of the notice, claim the dog and pay the citizen or officer a fee of one dollar for seizing and a fee of twenty-five cents for each day it is impounded, it shall be disposed of in a humane manner.
C. Except in the parishes of St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington, any citizen may, or the sheriff, constable, or other police officers of any parish, ward, or municipality shall, seize any dog found unaccompanied by its owner or keeper and trespassing on any premises that is fenced with at least a two-inch by four-inch wire mesh that is a minimum of four feet high. If the dog is wearing a collar bearing a tag showing the name and address of its owner, it shall be impounded and the citizen or officer so seizing and impounding the dog shall immediately thereafter, by written notice, notify the owner of the dog, at the address disclosed by the tag on the collar of the dog, that the dog has been seized and impounded by him, and unless the owner or keeper of the dog shall, within seven days from receipt of the notice, claim the dog and pay a seizing fee of twenty dollars and an impoundment fee of one dollar for each day it is impounded, it shall be disposed of in a humane manner. Ten dollars of the seizing fee shall be paid to the law enforcement agency called upon to seize the dog. The remainder of the seizing fee shall be donated to a recognized nonprofit conservation group. This Subsection shall apply only to fox pens.
D. Any citizen or officer may kill any dangerous or vicious dog, and no citizen or officer shall be liable for damages or to prosecution by reason of killing any dangerous or vicious dog.
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 1950, No. 231, § 1; Acts 1992, No. 1131, § 1.
§ 2774. Parishes to provide animal facilities
Each parish shall provide suitable shelters or facilities for dogs seized under the provisions of this Part.
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 2003, No. 133, § 1, eff. May 28, 2003.
§ 2775. Use of dogs for hunting
Nothing in this Part shall prevent any citizen of this state from lawfully hunting with a dog, provided the dog is accompanied by the owner or keeper.
Source:
Acts 1918, No. 239, § 5.
§ 2776. Time for paying dog license tax
All license taxes on dogs are due annually on the anniversary date of the administration of the rabies vaccination; provided that as soon as a dog becomes no more than six months of age [FN1] the owner of the dog shall be liable to pay the license tax for the year in which the dog reaches such age.
[FN1] As appears in the enrolled bill (Acts 1992, No. 131).
CREDIT(S)
Amended by Acts 1992, No. 131, § 1.
2777. Penalty for violating this Part or disturbing dog's collar or license tax tag
Whoever violates any provision of this Part, or fails or neglects to perform any duty imposed by it, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars and the cost of prosecution, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
Whoever removes from any dog a collar bearing a license tax tag as provided for in this Part, or alters or removes any such license tax tag from a dog properly registered as herein provided for, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars and the cost of the prosecution, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.
Source:
Acts 1918, No. 239, § 7.
§ 2778. Municipal and parish governing authorities
Nothing contained in this Part shall be construed to prevent or otherwise limit the governing authority of a municipality or parish from setting fees and fines in amounts sufficient for the operation of its animal control program or for the effective enforcement of its animal control ordinances; however, in the absence of the adoption of such ordinances, the parish or local governing authority shall rely on the provisions of R.S. 3:2773.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 2003, No. 133, § 1, eff. May 28, 2003. Amended by Acts 2010, No. 108, § 1.
Title 40. Public Health and Safety. Chapter 5-F. Health Provisions: Public Health. Subchapter A. Public Health--General. Part V. Rabies Control
The provisions of this Part may be cited as the Rabies Control Law.
Credits
Redesignated from R.S. 40:1275 by H.C.R. No. 84 of the 2015 Regular Session. Added by Acts 1954, No. 663, § 1.
For the purpose of this Part:
(1) “Dog” means any member of the canine family or species.
(2) “Owner” means any person who keeps in his care or harbors or who has the custody of a dog.
(3) “Inoculation” means the injection, subcutaneously or otherwise, of animal anti-rabies vaccine as approved by the Louisiana Department of Health.
(4) “Rabies” means hydrophobia (madness), the infectious disease of the brain transmitted by specific virus which occurs in saliva.
(5) “Local health authority” means any parish or municipal board, officer, department or other agency charged with the responsibility of preserving the public health.
Credits
Redesignated from R.S. 40:1276 by H.C.R. No. 84 of the 2015 Regular Session. Added by Acts 1954, No. 663, § 1. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 786, § 5, eff. July 17, 1978.
§ 1269.3. Authority to enact regulations for control of rabies
The Louisiana Department of Health shall enact in the state sanitary code all necessary provisions concerning the requirements for the control of rabies in animals, including the authority of parishes and municipalities to enact local ordinances, the report of incidence of the disease and the enactment of enforcement provisions.
Credits
Redesignated from R.S. 40:1277 by H.C.R. No. 84 of the 2015 Regular Session. Added by Acts 1954, No. 663, § 1. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 601, § 1; Acts 1978, No. 786, § 5, eff. July 17, 1978.
Whoever violates any provisions of any rule or regulation of the department adopted hereunder, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both, for each offense.
Credits
Redesignated from R.S. 40:1278 by H.C.R. No. 84 of the 2015 Regular Session. Added by Acts 1954, No. 663, § 1. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 601, § 1; Acts 1978, No. 786, § 5, eff. July 17, 1978.
Title 49. State Administration. Chapter 1. General Provisions. Part VIII. State Symbols and Display of Flags
There shall be an official state dog. The official state dog shall be the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog, as registered by the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas. Its use on official documents of the state and with the insignia of the state is hereby authorized.
Credits
Added by Acts 1979, No. 239, § 1.
Title 56. Wildlife and Fisheries. Chapter 1. General Provisions for Wildlife and Fisheries. Part IV. Wild Birds and Wild Quadrupeds. Subpart A. Hunting
§ 124.1. Dogs; regulation of; police juries
The police juries of the respective parishes may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict or prohibit the running at large of dogs in the woods. This authority may be exercised by the police jury whenever, in the opinion of the police jury, such regulation, restriction or prohibition is necessary for the protection of wildlife.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 1955, No. 135, § 2.
§ 141. Training of dogs during closed season; taking of certain pen-raised birds for the purposes of field trials and hunting dog training
A. It shall be legal for hunters, dog trainers, or dog handlers to train their dogs, any breed or species, during the closed season. During such training sessions, said trainer or handler may carry handguns and may discharge only blank ammunition, but cannot take or kill game quadrupeds or game birds of any type or kind, except raccoons. This Section shall not apply in any manner to raccoon hunters who may pursue their sport at any time, nor to persons taking pen-raised quail or pen-raised mallards under the provisions of Subsections B and C hereof.
B. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby empowered to authorize by permit the taking of pen-raised quail or pen-raised mallards during other than the open season for hunting for the purpose of field trials, upon application of any recognized field trial association. In order to obtain a permit to take pen-raised quail or pen-raised mallards as authorized by the provisions of this Subsection, applicants therefor must be recognized field trial associations. Applicants shall apply to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the permit and the department may then issue the permit subject to rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to protect the wildlife of the state.
C. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is hereby empowered to authorize by permit the taking of pen-raised quail or pen-raised mallards during other than the open season for hunting for the purpose of training hunting dogs. Applicants shall apply to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the permit and the department may then issue the permit subject to rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to protect the wildlife of the state.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 1958, No. 453, § 1. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 307, § 1; Acts 1977, No. 344, § 3; Acts 1981, No. 736, § 1; Acts 1981, No. 838, § 1; Acts 1988, No. 615, § 1.