- One bill before the Utah Legislature aims to reduce the number of animals that are euthanized in Utah.
- Another piece of legislation looks to help animals that are victims of animal abuse or neglect.
- There is also a bill under consideration that changes cases involving injuries from dog attacks.
As the Utah Legislature moves into the final days of the 2026 general session, several pieces of legislation are under consideration that could help the state’s furry friends, especially those in animal shelters.
Utah lawmakers have introduced bills that reduce the number of animals euthanized in Utah, ensuring that some dogs won’t be stuck in shelters as long. Another bill proposes changing the penalties for dog attacks.
Here’s a look at some of the legislation Utah lawmakers are advancing that deal with dogs and other animals:
Helping animals that are victims of animal abuse
One bill that has drawn attention was put forward by Rep. Verona Mauga, D-Salt Lake City. HB87, also known as “Biscuit’s bill,” focuses on animals that are in shelters after being victims of animal abuse and neglect. Oftentimes, these animals end up stuck in the shelter for years because of how long it takes for court cases related to the alleged abuse to be resolved.
The legislation earned the nickname after Biscuit, a dog who was stuck in the care of Salt Lake County Animal Services for more than three years. She recently became available and was adopted last December.
“We’ve kind of named it after her because there’s been many animals just like Biscuit that have had to sit within our custody. They’re not allowed to leave or go to foster homes, or be adopted,” said Ashley Bales, the communications development coordinator for Salt Lake County Animal Services.
HB87 would allow the courts to move faster in making a decision so that these animals don’t have to wait as long in kennels. The animals have to stay in shelters because while the court case is ongoing they are considered property of the state.
“It’s not humane for an animal to be in a kennel for three years of its life,” Bales added.
This bill would allow animals to also be held in private rescue spaces or in foster homes to lessen the burden on the shelter and the animals. There would also be a process put in place so that the owner can be responsible for paying the fees for their animal being held in the shelter.
Biscuit only became available because her owner signed paperwork to officially surrender her.
“It’s a burden in so many different areas ... on the shelter. It’s also a burden on taxpayers, as it’s our taxpayer dollars that pay for this. And then for the animal and their well-being,” Mauga said.
Despite concerns that the bill might unintentionally affect other pieces of code, Mauga has been working with Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove, to remedy some of those concerns. HB87 passed the second reading in the Senate on Wednesday and will soon go through the third reading.
How lawmakers can reduce the number of animals euthanized in Utah
A bill that aligns with Utah’s goal to become a no-kill state, SB201, sponsored by Sen. Keith Grover, R-Provo, would make it so fewer shelter animals in the state are euthanized.
The bill would give animal rescues and other organizations the ability to pull animals before they are euthanized. If these groups are able to know that an animal is going to be euthanized they are able to do something and provide support.
The bill would put in writing that shelters will give notice that the animal will be euthanized, “therefore more lives are going to be saved,” according to Amy Kohlbecker the executive director of Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City.
“We’ve always been dedicated to the ending of unnecessary euthanization in shelters, and we felt like this was a great way to address some of the concerns that we were hearing from our shelter partners, from our rescue partners,” said Kate Hall, campaign strategist at Best Friends Animal Society.
“I think everybody wants to limit the amount of animals that are dying when they don’t have to be,” Kohlbecker said.
Kohlbecker also clarified that the legislation will not interfere with animals that need to be euthanized for medical reasons to prevent suffering. It also wouldn’t stop the euthanization of animals that are deemed to be dangerous.
The bill also does not extend or change Utah’s five-day stray hold period. SB201 passed through the Senate and will now be heard by a House committee.
Changes being made to dog attack cases
Sponsored by Rep. Jason Thompson, R-River Heights, HB553 deals with civil claims that can be made in dog attack or dog bite cases.
This bill would raise the cap for arbitration from $50,000 to $75,000 which Thompson said accounts for inflation and rising medical costs.
“This is a technical cleanup bill that promotes fairness and efficiency,” the representative said.
HB553 would also change the statute of limitations for when an individual injured by a dog can bring a claim for damages. It raises the deadline from three years to four years from the day of the injury which would align with other personal injury cases.
In a committee hearing about the bill, attorney Jake Lee spoke to the bill with Thompson. He said that the issue isn’t necessarily the volume of cases but rather “it’s that most lawyers get stuck on this issue.”
He added that the goal of the bill would be to get victims taken care of and keep code consistent.
HB553 advanced through the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday.
