ANIMAL WELFARE-ADPTN-MICROCHIP

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Prohibits an animal shelter or animal control facility from adopting out any dog or cat that has not been microchipped or sterilized in a manner acceptable to the Department of Agriculture, unless the person wishing to adopt an animal prior to the performance of the required procedures has executed a written agreement promising to have the procedures performed within a specified period of time not to exceed 30 days. Provides that failure by an owner to meet the conditions of the written agreement shall result in forfeiture of the animal. Prohibits the release of any animal by an animal shelter or animal control facility to an individual representing an animal shelter, unless the recipient animal shelter has been licensed or has a foster care permit issued by the Department or the individual is a representative of a not-for-profit, out-of-State organization. Effective immediately.