Ginal Bill Requiring Pet Facilities to Notify Owners During Infectious Outbreaks Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, that would better protect Coloradans’ pets cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1354 would require licensed pet care facilities to attempt to notify certain customers within 24 hours after receiving notification from a veterinarian or a pet owner of an infectious disease outbreak at the facility. 

“Our pets are a part of our family, and it’s critical we do everything we can to keep them safe, especially given the recent outbreaks of canine influenza, a respiratory illness that impacted animals and facilities across the country,” Ginal said. “This bill will help protect pets and owners by requiring that pet facilities notify customers when there is an infectious disease outbreak at the facility. These notifications will help pet owners make informed decisions that will help prevent the spread of disease among our pets.”

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “the outbreak of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) that grabbed the nation’s attention late last year appears to be receding.” However, this bill will provide protections in the event of future illnesses. 

HB24-1354 will now return to the House for consideration of Senate amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.