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2010 SESSION

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HB 281 Animal cruelty; increases penalties.

Introduced by: David B. Albo | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Animal cruelty; penalty. Increases the penalty for a second or subsequent violation of the animal care laws regarding an owner's failure to provide adequate food, adequate water, adequate shelter, and adequate veterinary care from a Class 4 to a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation related to adequate space, adequate exercise, and adequate care, treatment and transportation are increased from a Class 4 to a Class 3 misdemeanor. The civil penalty for failure to sterilize a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency is increased from $50 to $250.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Animal cruelty; penalty. Increases the penalty for the animal cruelty resulting from an owner's failure to provide adequate food, adequate water, adequate shelter, and adequate veterinary care from a Class 4 to a Class 2 misdemeanor. Violations related to adequate space, adequate exercise, and adequate care, treatment and transportation are increased from a Class 4 to a Class 3 misdemeanor. The civil penalty for failure to sterilize a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency is increased from $50 to $250.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Animal cruelty; penalty. Increases penalties applicable to violations of animal cruelty laws. The penalty for a violation of the minimal standards of animal care is increased from a Class 4 to a Class 2 misdemeanor. The penalty for abandoning an animal is increased from a Class 3 to a Class 2 misdemeanor. The penalty for animal cruelty remains a Class 1 misdemeanor, but will require a mandatory minimum of five days in jail and a prohibition on the possession and ownership of companion animals. The civil penalty for failing to sterilize a dog or cat from a releasing agency will increase from $50 to $250.