Suffolk County, NY Article V Animal and Pet Advisory Board

[Adopted 2-3-2015 by Res. No. 22-2015]

§ 865-19 Purpose.

The Suffolk County Animal and Pet Advisory Board ("the Board") is hereby established to:

A. Advise the Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs in the enforcement of Local Law No. 16-2014,[1] with a focus on animal health and welfare at pet stores in the County, breeders, the pet industry in Suffolk County and the enforcement of the County's laws regarding pets and animals;

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 299, Art. VIII, Pet Dealers and Pet Stores.

B. Advise the County on animal and pet welfare issues; and

C. Update and maintain, in conjunction with the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, the County's comprehensive plan for the care and protection of pets during disaster situations.

§ 865-20 Membership.

The Board shall be comprised of the following seven members:

A. The Commissioner of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs or his or her designee;

B. A veterinarian practicing in the County of Suffolk, to be appointed by the Chair of the Health Committee of the County Legislature;

C. A representative of the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SCSPCA);

D. A representative of one Long Island based animal welfare organization, to be appointed by the County Legislature;

E. A representative of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council based on Long Island;

F. A resident of Suffolk County with intimate knowledge of the pet industry, to be selected by the County Legislature; and

G. A representative from a Long Island based pet groomer association or a pet groomer operating in Suffolk County, to be selected by the County Legislature.

§ 865-21 Terms of office; officers.

A. The Board shall meet within 30 days of all members taking the oath of office for the purpose of selecting a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.

B. The members of the Board appointed by the County Legislature shall have two-year terms of office.

C. The Chairperson shall serve as the primary contact for communication among all Board members.

§ 865-22 Meetings.

A. Four members shall constitute a quorum for convening meetings and conducting the business of the Board.

B. The Board shall, at a minimum, meet once every quarter.

C. The Board shall meet with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs no less than twice a year to discuss the enforcement of Local Law No. 16-2014 and related issues.

§ 865-23 Annual report.

The Board shall submit an annual report to the County Legislature and appear annually before the Legislature's Government Operations, Personnel, Housing and Consumer Protection Committee to detail the actions taken by the Board during the preceding year, describing ongoing issues of animal and pet welfare in Suffolk County, and provide recommendations to improve animal and pet welfare in the County.