Funding

LAWC receives much of it’s funding through the state’s income “Tax Check Off” program. The Louisiana Animal Welfare Fund was created for tax payers to “Donate on Line 8” a portion of their tax refund to support the work of the commission. Schedule D. Line 8. Or, donate online.

Learn More

Report Cruelty

LAWC is committed to preventing and stopping animal cruelty in Louisiana. LAWC supports law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases. You may report cruelty anonymously through the LAWC Cruelty Reporting Program tab. 

Report Now

Shelter Inspection Program

The LAWC Inspection Program is committed to providing a comprehensive evaluation program that makes recommendations to animal control agencies on how to provide a high quality, effective shelter to communities they serve. 

Learn More

Welcome to LAWC

The Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission is a governor appointed commission that functions within the office of the governor. The commission is comprised of 14 members that are appointed by the governor and serve 4 year terms. The commission appointees represent a diversified group of professionals that are considered leaders in their professions and communities. Each member brings an unique level of expertise, knowledge, and experience to help advance the work of the commission. This group of distinguished professionals has an unwavering commitment to improving the state’s public animal shelters, is resolute in preventing and prosecuting cruelty, and devoted to accomplishing their mission of improving animal welfare in the state of Louisiana.

Our Goals

Educate.

  • Local parish governments on modern animal laws, policies, and regulations to improve local animal control agencies/shelters.
  • The public on sterilization laws & resources, compliance with mandatory registration/licensing laws, and rabies laws.
  • The public on the importance of reporting animal cruelty.
  • Animal control agencies on effective standard practices to help develop and progress the work of agencies.

Support.

  • Local local & municipal animal control enforcement efforts.
  • Law enforcement agencies in the investigation & prosecution on animal cruelty cases.
  • Training & education of law enforcement officers on defensive tactics with canine encounters. 
  • Non-profit humane organizations & animal welfare groups through the LAWC grant program.

Improve.

  • Make recommendations to local governing authorities to improve facilities and operations of animal control agencies.
  • Develop shelter improvement plans that focus on humane efforts, leadership, community programs & outreach, education, and adoption. 
  • Formulate proposals to address pet overpopulation problems and high euthanasia rates in local communities.

Promote.

  • Proper agency funding and support.
  • Proper care and treatment of animals.
  • Strong animal welfare legislative policy at a state & local level
  • Proper training of animal control officers
  • A strong partnership with the veterinarian community
  • Spay and neuter education and outreach

Recent News

LAWC & LASPCA

The Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission met with the LASPCA to discuss working collaboratively to bring more resources to the Louisiana public animal shelters through the...
Read More

Certified Animal Rescue Organization Program

Members of the public and agencies/shelters can search a list of LAWC certified rescues across the state through our rescue certification program. This program is designed for private companion animal rescue organizations operating in the state of Louisiana only.  These include all breed rescue organizations, specific breed rescue organizations, special needs rescue organizations, to name a few.

Learn More

Find A Certified Animal Rescue Organization

Beginning January 2017, you will have the ability to search for a certified animal rescue organization in your area! The COLAA & LAWC Certification Alliance is proud to offer the first-ever statewide Certified Animal Rescue Organization Program. This program is available to all animal rescue organizations & humane societies operating in the state of Louisiana.

Search Now

You are donating to : Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission

How much would you like to donate?
$10 $20 $30
Would you like to make regular donations? I would like to make donation(s)
How many times would you like this to recur? (including this payment) *
Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Phone
Address
Additional Note
Loading...