This legislation, known as the "Supporting Our Shelters Act," amends the Animal Welfare Act to create a new grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. The primary goal of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible entities, such as animal shelters, to bolster their capacity for animal care. These grants are intended to support various aspects of animal welfare, including feeding, sheltering, veterinary care, recreational activities, and the hiring, training, and retention of staff dedicated to animal care. Each grant term can last up to three years and is renewable, provided the grantee submits a required report. Grant recipients will be mandated to submit annual reports detailing the number and outcome of each animal species taken into their care, along with a comprehensive accounting of how the grant funds were utilized. Furthermore, the Secretary of Agriculture is directed to provide an annual report to Congress, outlining the program's overall effectiveness and how funds improved animal care.
This legislation, known as the "Supporting Our Shelters Act," amends the Animal Welfare Act to create a new grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. The primary goal of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible entities, such as animal shelters, to bolster their capacity for animal care. These grants are intended to support various aspects of animal welfare, including feeding, sheltering, veterinary care, recreational activities, and the hiring, training, and retention of staff dedicated to animal care. Each grant term can last up to three years and is renewable, provided the grantee submits a required report. Grant recipients will be mandated to submit annual reports detailing the number and outcome of each animal species taken into their care, along with a comprehensive accounting of how the grant funds were utilized. Furthermore, the Secretary of Agriculture is directed to provide an annual report to Congress, outlining the program's overall effectiveness and how funds improved animal care.