HCS/HB 1961 - This act makes it a Class C felony to knowingly misappropriate a pet, law enforcement animal, or rescue animal with intent to sell it; to knowingly purchase a stolen pet; or to knowingly remove an identification marker or tag from a pet without permission.

The act also requires the Department of Public Safety to create an Internet registry where owners may list their missing or stolen pets. Anyone purchasing pets for research purposes is required to examine them for identification marks and search the registry. If a match is found, the purchaser must contact the owner for verification and report suspected stolen pets to a local law enforcement agency. Pets sold to licensed dealers for research purposes must be accompanied by a veterinarian's health certificate.
TOM MORTON