Rita L DeFrange

The rulemaking hearing for PACFA covered proposed amendments to rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act. Key topics included new definitions, changes to threshold numbers for breeding, rescue, and shelter of herpiles, updates to enclosure requirements, cleaning, sanitation, and isolation rules, and rules regarding the co-mingling of animals. A new rule requiring rabies vaccinations for imported dogs, cats, and ferrets was discussed, along with exemptions. The hearing also addressed implementing changes from Senate Bill 24-045, requiring animal shelters and rescues to sterilize dogs and cats before adoption, and solidifying elements of House Bill 24-1354, requiring grooming, boarding, training, and pet handler facilities to notify clients of communicable disease outbreaks. Updates to notification requirements for pet transporters were also discussed.

The meeting included introductions, a review of the agenda and previous meeting minutes, and a presentation. Discussions covered the work plan and updates on provider and community trainings. There was also a Colorado Department of Agriculture update and a segment for community updates.

The meeting included introductions of new members and a review of the February meeting minutes. Discussions covered community events and presentations, including the Commodity Classic in Denver and a tour of western Colorado by AgriAbility. A presentation was given by Michael and Valery Lozano from Warhorse Ranch on equine therapy. The committee discussed future meeting dates, goals, and a CORA update, as well as an RFP for an Ag Behavioral Health Summit.

The inaugural meeting of the Ag Behavioral Health Work Group was led by Robert Sakata. The agenda included introductions of roles and responsibilities, a review of SB24-055 to identify statutory requirements, charter or operational doctrine development, and work plan development. The meeting also covered the 2025 schedule and included a period for public comments. Discussions involved the roles of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), with updates on a new program developer position focused on agriculture and rural communities.

The Colorado Wild Horse Working Group meeting covered several key topics, including an overview of Senate Bill 23-275 and its implications for wild horse management in Colorado. Discussions also focused on the Colorado Open Records Act and Open Meetings Law, emphasizing the importance of transparency and compliance. The group reviewed and finalized a draft charter, outlining commitments, expectations, and public comment guidelines. The Bureau of Land Management presented its wild horse program in Colorado, detailing herd management efforts, HMA overviews, and partnerships. The meeting also involved developing a work plan, prioritizing topics such as darting, adoption, preserve management, and rangeland health for upcoming sessions. Public comments addressed the use of wild horses for fire mitigation, volunteer coordination for HMAs, and funding opportunities through a Colorado Lottery scratch ticket.