Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

Deletes the contents of the previous edition and replaces it with the following.

Amends the act's short and long titles.

Enacts new GS 20-187.4, concerning the disposition of retired service animals.

Establishes that, upon the determination that any service animal (defined as any horse, dog, or other animal owned by the State or a unit of local government that performs law enforcement, public safety, or emergency service functions) is no longer fit or needed for public service, the state or local government may transfer ownership of the animal at a price determined by the governing body and upon any other terms and conditions as it deems appropriate. Provides that the animal may be transferred to any of the following individuals, if that individual agrees to accept ownership, care, and custody of the animal: (1) the officer or employee who had normal custody and control of the animal during the animal's public service; (2) a surviving spouse, or in the event such officer or employee dies unsurvived by a spouse, surviving children of the officer or employee killed in the line of duty who had normal custody and control of the animal during the animal's public service; or (3) an organization or program dedicated to the assistance or support of animals retired from public service. Defines unit of local government as it is defined in GS 159-7(b)(15).

Effective October 1, 2016.