The Kansas Animal Health Department was created on July 1, 1969 and is directed by the Livestock Commissioner. This department consolidated the activities of the former departments known as the Livestock Sanitary Commission and the State Brand Commission. The Kansas Animal Health Board was created to serve as an advisory and policy making board to the Livestock Commissioner. The board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor. These members include representatives from the following industries: 3 beef, 1 swine, 1 dairy, 1 market, 1 veterinarian, 1 pet animal, and 1 citizen at large. The Livestock Commissioner is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the board. Legislation enacted in 1973 (Article 17 - Animal Dealers - K.S.A. 47-1701 through 47-1718) provided for licensing and inspection of all pet shops, and required the pounds and shelters of first class cities to be registered and inspected by the Kansas Animal Health Department. Legislation enacted in 1988 expanded the earlier regulatory authority to include the task of inspecting and licensing the facilities of animal dealers (breeders and brokers of dogs and cats), pet shop operators (retailers of animals), pounds and shelters of first class cities, and private research facilities. The legislation also created a registration category for persons raising and selling three, four, or five litters of dogs or cats annually, known as hobby kennel operators. This category was inspected only upon complaint giving reasonable grounds to believe a violation had been committed. The 1991 legislature broadened the program authority to license all animals pounds and shelters in the state and to register all boarding kennels in Kansas with the exception of those operated by a licensed veterinarian. [Kansas Animal Health Department. "About Us: History." http://www.kansas.gov/kahd/about_us.shtml#history (accessed November 4, 2008.)]
From the description of Records of the Kansas Animal Health Department, 1940 - 1988. (Kansas State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 692362095
