60437E7F837F3B458725850B0074347A Hearing Summary

Senator Cooke, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-104, concerning powers of Bureau of Animal Protection agents.  Senator Cooke explained the effect of the bill, noting current law, and discussed the bill's need. Committee members received a legal memorandum prepared by the Office of Legislative Legal Services on the subject matter covered by the bill (Attachment A), and amendment L.001 (Attachment B). Discussion ensued regarding the amendment.

Duane Adams, representing the Dumb Friends League, testified in support of SB 20-104. Mr. Adams discussed legal opinions on the subject of investigating cruelty to animals.

Rigo Neira, representing the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, testified in support of the bill.

Dave Lewis, representing the Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the difference between a service animal and comfort animal.

Bobbi Priestly, representing the Dumb Friends League, testified in support of SB 20-104. She discussed incidents of animal cruelty.

Jamie Norris, representing the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the work of her organization.

Steve Spodyak, representing the Park County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Spodyak discussed the benefits of the bill for advancing criminal investigations. Ms. Priestly responded to questions regarding snare traps.

Jessica Morgan, representing herself, testified in support of SB 20-104. She discussed legal impediments to investigating cruelty to animals, and explained how the bill would rectify the situation.

Judy Calhoun, representing the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, testified in support of the bill.

Roland Halpern, representing Colorado Voters for Animals, testified in support of SB 20-104. Lynne Langdon, representing Colorado Animal Protectors, testified in support the bill.

Discussion returned to the effect of amendment L.001.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.