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2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2304. Power to fight diseases and pests of bees

RS 3:2304 - Power to fight diseases and pests of bees
The commissioner shall have full and plenary power to deal with all contagious and infectious diseases of bees and all other pests of bees, including but not limited to American and European Foulbrood, Acarine mite, Varroa mite, and Africanized bees. The state entomologist, through agents or otherwise, may do and perform such acts as may be necessary to control, eradicate, or prevent the introduction, spread, or dissemination of any and all contagious and infectious diseases of bees and all other pests of bees.
Amended by Acts 1984, No. 529, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2305. Annual registration; permits, fees

RS 3:2305 - Annual registration; permits, fees
A.(1) On or before October 1 of each year, or prior to bringing any honeybees or beekeeping equipment into the state, every beekeeper shall register with the commissioner every colony or apiary in his possession or under his control, on a form furnished by the commissioner. The beekeeper shall indicate the number and location of each colony with each apiary location together with other information deemed necessary by the commissioner for the administration of this Part.
(2) Any colony or apiary acquired after October 1 during the calendar year and not previously registered shall be registered as required under this Section. Any colony or apiary acquired after December 31 shall not be required to be registered until the following October 1, unless the beekeeper does not possess a current registration permit.
B. If any colony or apiary is transferred from a registered beekeeper to another person, the permit may be transferred without the payment of a registration fee as follows:
(1) A Class A permit is transferrable if the person possesses the qualifications necessary for the issuance of a Class A permit.
(2) A Class B permit is transferrable; however, the beekeeping operation by the person shall be considered a new operation in determining the person's eligibility to obtain a Class A permit.
C. A Class A permit may be issued to any applicant who meets the requirements of either Paragraph (1) or Paragraph (2):
(1) The applicant is a person domiciled in the state. "Domicile" as used herein means the applicant's fixed, permanent, and principal home for legal purposes. No firm or corporation will be considered domiciled in the state unless its principal owner or owners is domiciled in the state.
(2) The applicant has conducted beekeeping operations in the state, and has been registered with the commissioner for three consecutive years, has been inspected as provided by law, and has demonstrated his ability to control diseases and pests considered to be detrimental to the state's apiary industry by the state entomologist.
D. A fee shall accompany the application for registration, the amount of the fee to be based upon and determined by the number of colonies owned by the applicant as follows:
Number of Colonies
Class A Permit
Class B Permit
1 to 10 $
0
$ 16.00
11 to 25
4.00
16.00
26 to 100
10.00
40.00
101 to 300
20.00
80.00
301 to 500
30.00
120.00
501 or more
50.00
200.00
E. Failure or refusal to comply with this Section shall constitute a violation of this Part.
Amended by Acts 1984, No. 529, §1; Acts 1992, No. 32, §1; Acts 2003, No. 122, §1, eff. July 1, 2003.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2306. Shipment of bees or beekeeping equipment into the state

RS 3:2306 - Shipment of bees or beekeeping equipment into the state
A. No person shall move, ship, or bring into this state any colony, honeybees, or beekeeping equipment except as provided in this Section.
B. Honeybees and used or secondhand beekeeping equipment may be shipped into the state by a person possessing a current Class A permit, but only when accompanied by certification of inspection signed by the state entomologist, state apiary inspector, or similar official of the state or country of such bees' origin. The certificate shall certify to the apparent freedom of the bees from contagious or infectious diseases and pests and shall be based upon an actual inspection of the bees to be shipped or moved within a period of sixty days preceding the date of shipment.
C. Combless honeybees may be shipped into the state by a person possessing a current Class B permit but only when accompanied by a certificate of inspection signed by the state entomologist, state apiary inspector, or similar official of the state or country of such bees' origin. The certificate shall certify to the apparent freedom of the bees from contagious or infectious diseases and shall be based upon an actual inspection of the bees to be shipped or moved within a period of sixty days preceding the date of shipment.
D. When honeybees are to be shipped or moved into the state from other states or countries where no official state apiary inspector or state entomologist is available, the commissioner, by rule, may permit the shipping into Louisiana of such bees upon presentation of suitable evidence showing the bees to be free from disease.
E. Notwithstanding Subsections B and C, the commissioner may inspect any honeybees or beekeeping equipment being shipped into this state, even if the honeybees or beekeeping equipment are accompanied by a certificate of inspection issued by another state. If an inspection of honeybees or beekeeping equipment accompanied by a certificate of inspection of another state reveals the presence of contagious or infectious disease, the commissioner may declare a moratorium on this state's recognition of any certificate of inspection issued by that state until the commissioner determines that the standards of inspection of that state are adequate to ensure the health and safety of Louisiana honeybees at least equal to the standards established by this state.
F. Except as otherwise permitted in this Section, the movement or shipment into this state of colonies of bees, nuclei, comb package of bees, or used or secondhand beekeeping equipment is prohibited.
Acts 1984, No. 529, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2307. Inspection; application; fees

RS 3:2307 - Inspection; application; fees
A. No bees or used beekeeping equipment shall be moved unless accompanied by a certificate of inspection by the state entomologist. Beekeepers who desire a certificate authorizing the movement of bees or used beekeeping equipment shall apply to the commissioner for inspection prior to any movement of the bees or used beekeeping equipment.
B. The commissioner, by rule, shall prescribe the time and manner in which an application for inspection shall be filed.
C. The commissioner, by rule, may impose an inspection fee schedule provided that the fee for an inspection does not exceed the actual costs of the inspection.
Acts 1984, No. 529, §1; Acts 2003, No. 122, §1, eff. July 1, 2003.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2308. Authority to search for and destroy infected bees and beekeeping equipment

RS 3:2308 - Authority to search for and destroy infected bees and beekeeping equipment
A. The state entomologist, or his agents and employees, may enter any depot, express office, storeroom, warehouse, or other premises for the purpose of inspecting any honeybees or beekeeping equipment therein when there is probable cause to conclude that the bees or beekeeping equipment are infected with any contagious or infectious diseases or to ascertain whether such bees may have been or are being transported in violation of this Part.
B. No person shall interfere with the state entomologist or any of his agents who are making such inspection of properties or premises.
C. If the state entomologist, or his agents, find any honeybees or beekeeping equipment infected with or exposed to any contagious or infectious diseases, he may require the destruction, treatment, or disinfection of such infected or exposed bees or beekeeping equipment.
D. If the state entomologist, or his agents, find that any honeybees or beekeeping equipment has been brought into the state in violation of this Part, he may require the removal of the honeybees or beekeeping equipment from the state.
Acts 1984, No. 529, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2309. Assessment on bees, enforcement

RS 3:2309 - Assessment on bees, enforcement
For the purpose of enforcing this Part, the commissioner may annually levy and collect a fee of fifteen cents per colony of bees within the state, provided that such assessment shall not be levied on noncommercial apiaries.
Acts 1984, No. 529, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2310. Penalties, enforcement

RS 3:2310 - Penalties, enforcement
A. The commissioner may impose a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars for each violation of this Part or of the rules and regulations adopted under this Part. Each day on which a violation occurs shall be a separate offense.
B. Civil penalties may be assessed only by a ruling of the commissioner based on an adjudicatory hearing held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
C. The commissioner may institute civil proceedings to enforce his rulings in the district court for the parish in which the violation occurred.
Acts 1984, No. 529, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2311. Disposition of funds

RS 3:2311 - Disposition of funds
A. All assessments, fees, penalties, and all other funds received under the provisions of this Part, subject to the exceptions contained in Article VII, Section 9 of the Constitution of Louisiana, shall be deposited immediately upon receipt into the state treasury and shall be credited to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund.
B. Out of the funds remaining in the Bond Security and Redemption Fund after a sufficient amount is allocated from that fund to pay all obligations secured by the full faith and credit of the state which become due and payable within any fiscal year, the treasurer, prior to placing the remaining funds in the state general fund, shall pay an amount equal to the total amount of funds paid into the state treasury under the provisions of this Part into a special fund which is hereby created in the state treasury and designated as the Horticulture and Quarantine Fund.
C. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at the end of each fiscal year shall remain in the fund. The treasurer shall invest the monies in the fund in the same manner as monies in the state general fund. All interest earned on monies from the fund invested by the state treasurer shall be deposited in the fund.
D. Subject to appropriation, the monies in the fund shall be used for the following purposes:
(1) To provide for the expenses of the program established by this Part and the expenses of the office of agricultural and environmental sciences, as determined by the commissioner.
(2) To fund any and all costs related to the carrying out of the powers and duties granted to the commissioner of agriculture and forestry under this Part.
Acts 1984, No. 529, §1; Acts 1992, No. 984, §18; Acts 2003, No. 122, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2011, No. 31, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2351. Rules and regulations

RS 3:2351 - Rules and regulations
Power and authority is hereby delegated to the state entomologist to prepare and promulgate rules and regulations necessary and proper to establish a program for the eradication and control of the imported fire ant (
Solenposis saevissima richteri Forel
), subject to the approval of the commissioner of agriculture and forestry.
Added by Acts 1960, No. 180, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2352. Expenditure of funds; cooperation with federal agencies

RS 3:2352 - Expenditure of funds; cooperation with federal agencies
Authority is hereby delegated to the state entomologist to expend funds to establish and carry out a program for the eradication and control of the imported fire ant, and to cooperate with and to receive cooperation from the United States Department of Agriculture, including the expenditure of federal funds for that purpose, subject to the approval of the commissioner of agriculture and forestry.
Added by Acts 1960, No. 180, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2353. Creation of eradication areas

RS 3:2353 - Creation of eradication areas
The state entomologist, subject to the approval of the commissioner of agriculture and forestry, shall have authority to create and designate imported fire ant eradication areas. The commissioner of agriculture and forestry may declare all state laws and all regulations of the department pertaining to the eradication and control of imported fire ants to be in full force and effect in the designated area on and after the date stated. Treatment will begin after this declaration by the commissioner and after all property owners residing within the designated area have been notified. Official notice of the establishment of imported fire ant eradication areas shall be published in the official journal of the state of Louisiana.
Added by Acts 1960, No. 180, §1. Amended by Acts 1962, No. 268, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2354. Penalty for violation; civil liability

RS 3:2354 - Penalty for violation; civil liability
Whoever violates any provision set forth in this Part or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or interferes with any authorized agent of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry while in the performance of his official duty, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense, or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than thirty days, or by both fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court having jurisdiction, and shall also be liable to any persons injured for all damages resulting from the violation.
Added by Acts 1960, No. 180, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2355. Purpose

RS 3:2355 - Purpose
The purpose of this Part is to prevent the introduction into and dissemination within this state of contagious and infectious diseases of catfish by providing for the inspection and control of catfish to be used for stocking purposes, which activity is hereby found and declared by the legislature to promote agriculture in the state of Louisiana.
Acts 1985, No. 729, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2356. Shipment of catfish to be used for stocking purposes into the state; inspection; fees; penalties

RS 3:2356 - Shipment of catfish to be used for stocking purposes into the state; inspection; fees; penalties
A. No person, firm, or corporation shall move, ship, or transport into this state any catfish to be used for stocking purposes, of any species, whether farm raised or caught in the waters from any other state, except as provided in this Section.
B. Catfish to be used for stocking purposes may be shipped into this state by a person, firm, or corporation possessing all necessary wholesale licenses, but only when accompanied by certification of inspection issued by the state or country of origin. The certificate shall certify the apparent freedom of the catfish to be used for stocking purposes from contagious or infectious diseases and shall be based upon an actual inspection of the catfish to be used for stocking purposes to be shipped or moved within a period of forty-eight hours preceding the date of shipment.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection B, the commissioner of agriculture may inspect any catfish to be used for stocking purposes being shipped into this state, even if the catfish to be used for stocking purposes are accompanied by a certificate of inspection issued by another state or country, unless the facility receiving the catfish to be used for stocking purposes is inspected or the catfish to be used for stocking purposes on hand in such facility is inspected by the state and/or federal food and drug administration. If an inspection of catfish to be used for stocking purposes accompanied by a certificate of inspection of another state or country reveals contagious or infectious disease, the commissioner may declare a moratorium on this state's recognition of any certificate of inspection issued by that state or country until the commissioner determines that the standards of that state or country are adequate to insure the health and safety of catfish to be used for stocking purposes in that state or country at least equal to the standards established by this state.
D. Except as otherwise permitted in this Section, the movement or shipment of catfish to be used for stocking purposes into this state shall be prohibited.
E. In cases where the commissioner inspects catfish to be used for stocking purposes pursuant to this Section, he may by rule impose an inspection fee, provided that the fee schedule is uniform as to all similar inspections and the funds are used to defray the cost of inspections.
F. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates this Section shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than sixty days, or both.
Acts 1985, No. 729, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2358.1. Legislative findings

RS 3:2358.1 - Legislative findings
The purpose of this Part is to prevent the introduction into and dissemination within this state of contagious and infectious diseases of turtles by providing for the regulation, inspection, and control of farm-raised turtles, which activities are hereby found and declared by the legislature to promote agriculture and aquaculture within the state of Louisiana.
Acts 1990, No. 770, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2017, No. 69, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2358.2. Administration and enforcement; rules and regulations

RS 3:2358.2 - Administration and enforcement; rules and regulations
A. The provisions of this Part shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry through the office of animal health and food safety.
B. The commissioner shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the provisions of this Part, including rules regarding breeding, disposal, raising, identification, inspecting, licensing, monitoring, sanitization, shipping or transporting, testing, and quarantine of farm-raised turtles or turtle eggs. The rules and regulations shall be adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
C. The commissioner may employ such personnel as are necessary to administer the provisions of this Part.
Acts 1990, No. 770, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2017, No. 69, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2358.3. Definitions

RS 3:2358.3 - Definitions
When used in this Part, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Certified laboratory" means a laboratory which has a current certification or accreditation by the Federal Food and Drug Administration or other national certifying or accrediting agency to perform microbiological or residue testing of organic or inorganic samples and has a microbiologist on staff, and has been approved by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
(2) "Chain of custody form" means a document approved by the department which verifies species, destination, origin, and turtle group and which is used for transporting turtles within the state of Louisiana only.
(3) "Commissioner" means the Louisiana commissioner of agriculture and forestry.
(4) "Farm-raised turtle" means any reptile of the order Testudines which is bred, born, raised, or kept, by a licensed turtle farmer within a closed circumscribed pond for the purpose of buying, selling, or trading in commerce.
(5) "Health certificate" means a document which certifies that the turtles or turtle eggs are free of visible signs of infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases, and which is signed by a veterinarian who is licensed in this state, federally accredited and approved by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
(6) "Licensed turtle farm" means any person engaged in the collection, hatching, sale, shipping, or distribution of farm-raised turtles or turtle eggs.
(7) "Person" means any individual, partnership, association, organization, or corporation engaged in any phase of the farm-raised turtle industry.
(8) "Turtle group" means any amount, either multiple or single units, consisting of no more than twenty thousand farm-raised turtles or turtle eggs.
Acts 1990, No. 770, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2017, No. 69, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2358.4. Licensing; fees; renewal

RS 3:2358.4 - Licensing; fees; renewal
A. No person shall breed, hatch, propagate, raise, grow, receive, ship, transport, export, or sell turtles or turtle eggs without possessing a turtle farmer license.
B. Turtle farmer licenses shall expire annually on the thirty-first day of December, and must be renewed no later than the last day of January of the following year.
C. The commissioner shall adopt, by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the fee to be charged for the issuance of a turtle farmer license. The amount of the fee shall not exceed two hundred fifty dollars per license issued annually.
D. Each person applying for a turtle farmer license shall complete a written application as provided by the commissioner, pay the required license fee, and comply with any other requirements for licensure required by the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this Part.
Acts 1990, No. 770, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2017, No. 69, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2358.7. Records

RS 3:2358.7 - Records
A. Each licensed turtle farmer shall maintain accurate records including the source, identification, treatment, health, inspection, and disposal of the farm- raised turtles and turtle eggs, as well as any other information that may be required by the commissioner.
B. Repealed by Acts 2017, No. 69, §2.
C. All records shall be open for inspection by the commissioner during regular working hours.
D. The commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations governing the form and content of these records.
Acts 1990, No. 770, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2017, No. 69, §§1, 2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2358.13. Violations

RS 3:2358.13 - Violations
Violations of this Part shall include but shall not be limited to the following:
(1) Engaging in the farming of turtles or turtle eggs without first obtaining a turtle farmer license.
(2) Shipping or moving farm-raised turtles or turtle eggs without the required documentation.
(3) Commingling, transporting, shipping, or disposing of any diseased turtles or turtle eggs from a farm which is under quarantine, without written approval from the commissioner.
(4) Willfully failing to maintain complete and accurate records.
(5) Falsifying documents or records.
(6) Willfully failing to follow or willfully misapplying sanitization methods.
(7) Importing of any turtles or turtle eggs of any species from any other state or foreign country, except as provided in the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this Chapter.
(8) Violating any provision of this Part or of any rule or regulation adopted under the provisions of this Part.
Acts 1990, No. 770, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2017, No. 69, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2358.14. Penalties

RS 3:2358.14 - Penalties
A. A civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars may be assessed for any violation of this Part, by a ruling of the commissioner based upon an adjudicatory hearing held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Each day on which a violation occurs shall be considered a separate offense.
B. The commissioner may deny renewal or cancel the license of a licensed turtle farmer for any violation of the provisions of this Part, or of the rules and regulations adopted under the provisions of this Part, after an adjudicatory hearing held in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
C. The commissioner may institute civil proceedings to enforce his rulings in the district court for the parish in which the violation occurred.
D. The commissioner may seek injunctive relief to restrain and prevent the violation of any of the provisions of this Part or of the rules and regulations adopted under the provisions of this Part by civil proceedings in the district court for the parish in which the violation occurred.
Acts 1990, No. 770, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2361. Horses and mules which may not be sold

RS 3:2361 - Horses and mules which may not be sold
A. No person shall sell either at private sale or public auction, or offer or receive for sale any horse or mule which by reason of debility, disease, or lameness, or for any other cause could not be worked in the city in which it is offered for sale without violating the laws against cruelty to animals. This Section shall apply only in cities in this state having a population of ten thousand or more.
B. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months.
Acts 2018, No. 148, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2362. Tying or tethering a dog or cat in extreme weather conditions; penalties

RS 3:2362 - Tying or tethering a dog or cat in extreme weather conditions; penalties
A. Except as otherwise provided by law, including R.S. 14:102.26, it shall be prohibited to tie or tether a dog or cat in a manner that exposes the dog or cat to extreme weather conditions in the following designated emergency areas:
(1) A designated emergency area during a flood or hurricane in which a disaster or emergency, as defined in R.S. 29:723, is declared by executive order or proclamation of the governor.
(2) A designated emergency area during a flood or hurricane in which a local disaster or emergency, as defined in R.S. 29:723, is declared by a local political subdivision of the state.
B. A local governing authority may establish a fine not to exceed seventy-five dollars which may be imposed on anyone who violates the provisions of this Section.
Acts 2018, No. 148, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2363. Sale of dyed chicks, ducklings, goslings, or rabbits; requirements for maintenance; penalties

RS 3:2363 - Sale of dyed chicks, ducklings, goslings, or rabbits; requirements for maintenance; penalties
A. No person shall sell or offer for sale any dyed chick, duckling, gosling, or rabbit.
B. Stores, shops, vendors, and others offering chicks, ducklings, goslings, or rabbits for sale, or displaying chicks, ducklings, goslings, or rabbits to the public, shall provide and operate brooders or other devices that may be necessary to maintain the chicks, ducklings, or goslings in good health, and shall make adequate food and water available to such birds or rabbits at all times.
C. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both. Each day on which a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
Acts 1985, No. 760, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2366. Louisiana Animal Shelter Registry

RS 3:2366 - Louisiana Animal Shelter Registry
A. The legislature finds that the establishment and maintenance of a voluntary animal shelter registry will enable the Louisiana Animal Control Advisory Task Force to carry out its duties.
B. As used in this Section, the term "public animal shelter" means an animal shelter owned, operated, or designated for the purpose of impoundment of animals by any parish, municipality, or other subdivision of the state.
C. The state veterinarian shall establish and maintain a registry for animal shelters called the Louisiana Animal Shelter Registry.
D. On or before the first day of February of each calendar year, each parish governing authority may submit to the state veterinarian a list of all public animal shelters located within the parish's jurisdiction. The list shall include:
(1) The name, physical address, mailing address, contact number, and email address of the public animal shelter.
(2) The name, physical address, mailing address, contact number, and email address of the operator of the public animal shelter.
(3) The name and contact information for the parish or municipal animal control officer.
(4) The hours of operation.
E. On or before the first day of February of each calendar year, each public animal shelter may submit the following to the state veterinarian:
(1) The Basic Animal Data Matrix, submitted as "transparent" data, to the Shelter Animals Count database found at http://www.shelteranimalscount.org. Public animal shelters may submit the matrix electronically through this website.
(2) A brief narrative description, not to exceed two pages of twelve point font, of how the animal shelter is ensuring compliance with the provisions of R.S. 3:2461 et seq. and R.S. 3:2471 et seq.
Acts 2016, No. 381, §1; Acts 2017, No. 422, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2391. Agents of corporation as special police officers; compensation; aid from regular police force

RS 3:2391 - Agents of corporation as special police officers; compensation; aid from regular police force
Whenever, in any incorporated city or town or in any parish, a corporation for the prevention of cruelty to animals shall be organized, the mayor of the city or town and the police jury of the parish, respectively, as the case may be, shall appoint and commission as special police officers such agents as the corporation for the prevention of cruelty to animals may nominate; and agents being so commissioned shall have the usual power of policemen and peace officers. No city, town, or parish shall be liable hereunder for any compensation to the special officers, and the police force of all incorporated cities and towns in the state shall aid any such corporation, its members or agents, in the enforcement in its respective locality of all laws enacted for the protection of animals.
Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2392. Municipalities to provide punishment for cruelty to animals

RS 3:2392 - Municipalities to provide punishment for cruelty to animals
Municipal corporations shall provide by ordinance for the punishment of cruelty to animals, when committed in any street, park, levee, or other public place in the limits of the corporation, by fine or imprisonment, or both, as a police offense.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2393. Corporation to receive one half of fines

RS 3:2393 - Corporation to receive one half of fines
Whenever a fine is imposed on any person as a penalty for violation of any law of this state or municipal ordinance respecting cruelty to animals, and the prosecution shall have been initiated, conducted, assisted, or appeared in by any officer, member, agent, or counsel of any society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in the parish where the offense is committed, incorporated under the general law of this state, one half of the fine shall be paid to the society and the receipt of its treasury shall be a full acquittance to the officer collecting the fine.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2431. Humane society may arrange for care of animals

RS 3:2431 - Humane society may arrange for care of animals
All officers of incorporated humane societies, in cities over twenty-five thousand and under one hundred thousand inhabitants, and all officers of the law in the cities, who are hereby made special officers of the societies, when in their judgment cruelty is being practiced towards any animal or the animal is bruised, wounded, crippled, abrased, sick, or diseased, may remove the animal whenever found to any stable designated by the humane society, for care and treatment, there to remain until sufficiently recovered to resume service.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2432. Arrangement with stable for care of animals

RS 3:2432 - Arrangement with stable for care of animals
Before any humane society can avail itself of the provisions of this Part, the humane society shall arrange with some stable for the care of animals and charges shall be fifty cents per day, provided however, the medical attendance shall be extra. If the society maintains its own stable the charges shall be as above set out.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2433. Employment of veterinarian

RS 3:2433 - Employment of veterinarian
The humane society after complying with R.S. 3:2432 shall arrange with some veterinarian, and agree upon a scale of uniform charges, and the society may employ veterinarians to attend any animals that in their judgment need treatment.
Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2435. Determination whether animal may leave stable

RS 3:2435 - Determination whether animal may leave stable
Animals removed to stables in accordance with this Part shall remain until pronounced suitable to resume service by the humane society's officer, and in case the owner of the animal disagrees with the society's officer on this point, the president of the society shall call in a veterinarian, and if the officer and veterinarian cannot agree, the president shall call in a disinterested experienced person whose decision as to the condition of the animal shall be final.
Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2436. Sale of animal on owner's failure to pay for treatment

RS 3:2436 - Sale of animal on owner's failure to pay for treatment
After the animal has been cared for and treated the owner of the stable as well as the veterinarian treating the animal shall notify the president of the society by sending a statement of their charges, and the president of the society shall cause a registered notice to be sent to the owner of the animal, apprising him of the fact that the animal is ready to resume service and advising him as to the amount of the charges. Should the owner not take the animal and pay the charges within five days after the receipt of the notice, the society may sell the animal at public auction in the manner now provided by law for judicial sales; the excess of the charges and expenses shall go to the owner of the animal.
Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2437. Liability of society to stable or veterinarian; privilege upon animals

RS 3:2437 - Liability of society to stable or veterinarian; privilege upon animals
The humane society shall be liable to the stable or veterinarian for their expenses and services under this Part, but only as per the scale of charges agreed upon, and the society may remove the animals and change surgeons at its pleasure. A privilege is created upon all animals treated as above set out, in favor of the humane society, and it shall be superior to any other privilege on the animals.
Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2438. Opportunity to owner to treat animal if proper treatment is given

RS 3:2438 - Opportunity to owner to treat animal if proper treatment is given
No officer of any humane society, or other officer, shall remove any animal to their stable or one designated by them, or to engage any veterinarian to treat any animals as provided herein, without first giving the owner the privilege of removing the animal to his own stable or a stable designated by him; the owner may furnish his own treatment or veterinarian, at all times, but the officer of the humane society may inspect the animal at all times, and if in his opinion the treatment accorded the animal is not proper or beneficial, the officer may place him in the society's stable or designated stable and under the care of their own surgeon as herein above set out. Should there be a disagreement as to the merits of the treatment of the animal, it shall be decided as set out in R.S. 3:2435.
Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2438.1. Horse aftercare; definition

RS 3:2438.1 - Horse aftercare; definition
"Horse aftercare" means the providing for the retraining or retiring of thoroughbreds and quarter horses that have participated at licensed race tracks in Louisiana.
Acts 2019, No. 221, §1; Acts 2019, No. 328, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2439. Court review of humane society's treatment of animal; damages limited to costs

RS 3:2439 - Court review of humane society's treatment of animal; damages limited to costs
Any person feeling himself aggrieved at the action of the humane society or its officers may try the issues before a court of competent jurisdiction, but the issues meant herein shall only be as to whether the animal's condition is such as to warrant action by the society or whether the animal is in condition to be used, before or after treatment, or whether the treatment accorded the animal by the owner, as set out in R.S. 3:2438 is proper or beneficial; no damages except the actual court costs shall be assessed against the society.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2440. Resisting officers; penalty

RS 3:2440 - Resisting officers; penalty
Whoever resists the officers empowered herein, in carrying out the provisions of this Part, shall be fined not less than five nor more than twenty-five dollars, or imprisoned not less than five nor more than twenty-five days, or both.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2452. Abandoned animals

RS 3:2452 - Abandoned animals
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).
Added by Acts 1978, No. 692, §1; Acts 1997, No. 976, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2017, No. 41, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2453. Notice requirements; freedom from liability

RS 3:2453 - 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.
Added by Acts 1978, No. 692, §1; Acts 1997, No. 976, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2454. Sale or disposal of animal; disposition of sale proceeds

RS 3:2454 - 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.
Added by Acts 1978, No. 692, §1; Acts 1997, No. 976, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2461. Authority of parish governing authorities to adopt Part

RS 3:2461 - 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.
Acts 1985, No. 806, §1, eff. July 22, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2462. Definitions

RS 3:2462 - Definitions
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.
Acts 1985, No. 806, §1, eff. July 22, 1985; Acts 2017, No. 184, §1; Acts 2019, No. 383, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:2463. General shelter standards

RS 3:2463 - 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.
Acts 1985, No. 806, §1, eff. July 22, 1985; Acts 2017, No. 184, §1.