H.R. 5020: Supporting Our Shelters Act

This bill, titled the Supporting Our Shelters Act, aims to enhance the welfare of animals in shelters by providing financial support through grants. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Establishment of a Grant Program

The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to create a grant program specifically designed to assist entities that care for animals, such as animal shelters. The grants can be used for various essential services, including:

• Feeding animals
• Sheltering animals
• Veterinary care
• Providing recreational activities for animals
• Hiring, training, and retaining staff who care for the animals

Duration and Renewal of Grants

The financial assistance provided through these grants will have a maximum term of three years. However, recipients of the grants can apply for renewal, provided they submit a report to the Secretary demonstrating how the funds were utilized during the initial grant period.

Reporting Requirements

Grant recipients will be required to submit detailed annual reports to the Secretary, which will include:

• The number of animals taken into the shelter, categorized by species.
• The outcomes for each species (e.g., adoption, treatment, or euthanasia).
• A detailed account of how the grant funds were utilized during that time frame.

Moreover, the Secretary of Agriculture must report to Congress annually on the program's effectiveness, addressing how the funds were used and any improvements in animal care resulting from the grants.

Regulatory Framework

The Secretary is also tasked with establishing the necessary regulations to implement the provisions of this act within 180 days of its enactment. This ensures that there is a clear framework guiding how the grants will operate and be managed.

Conclusion

Overall, the Supporting Our Shelters Act seeks to provide essential financial resources to animal shelters to improve their capacity for caring for animals, with accountability and oversight mechanisms in place.

Relevant Companies

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