AK HB138

Classifies cruelty to animals under AS 11.61.140(a)(2) or (5) as a class A misdemeanor with possible court-ordered forfeiture of animals, reimbursement of care costs, and prohibition from animal ownership for up to 10 years.

Elevates cruelty to animals under AS 11.61.140(a)(1), (3), or (4) to a class C felony, and makes cruelty under (a)(2) or (5) a class C felony if the person has one or more prior convictions within 10 years for similar animal cruelty or assault offenses.

Allows courts to impose the same remedies for class C felony convictions: animal forfeiture, reimbursement for shelter and veterinary care costs, and prohibition from animal ownership for up to 10 years.

Adds repeated instances of cruelty to animals and combinations of assaultive behavior with animal cruelty as aggravating factors at sentencing under AS 12.55.155(c)(8).

Makes all changes applicable to offenses occurring on or after the effective date of the act.