* § 427. Shelter management protocols. 1. Each animal shelter shall have a clear, written, management structure that defines staff authority, reporting structure and responsibilities, and is readily accessible to all staff and volunteers.

2. Staffing shall be sufficient to allow adequate time, per animal, for cleaning and daily feeding, and to meet the minimum requirements for socialization and exercise of animals as prescribed in section four hundred thirty of this article.

3. The total number of animals housed in an animal shelter facility or foster home shall not exceed the number of housing units available at the facility as required by section four hundred twenty-five of this article; provided, however, that exceptions to the provisions of this subdivision shall be permissible for periods not to exceed forty-five contiguous days in the event of an animal seizure pursuant to article twenty-six of this chapter or a natural disaster where an official declaration of the disaster or emergency has been made.

4. All animals shall be observed daily by a manager or designee to identify each animal's needs for care, housing and service and to ensure that each animal has a plan to advance efficiently through the shelter.

* NB Effective December 15, 2025