Update June 10, 2010: This bill, H.B. 1106, has now been signed into law.Â
This bill requires shelters to scan dogs, cats and other "large animals traditionally kept as pets" within 24 hours or as "soon as possible" for micro-chips and also prior to euthanizing animals. If a micro-chip is found, a reasonable effort must be made to find the owner.
Shelter staff are not required to scan any animal deemed too dangerous or vicious for safe handling.
Shelter staff cannot be held liable for failure to find a micro-chip.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Gene Maddox.
The bill has passed both the House and Senate.Â