AK SB214

Cruelty to animals under subsections (a)(2) or (5) remains a class A misdemeanor with discretionary penalties including animal forfeiture, reimbursement for care costs, and prohibition from animal ownership for up to 10 years.

Cruelty to animals under subsections (a)(1), (3), or (4) is classified as a class C felony.

A conviction under subsections (a)(2) or (5) becomes a class C felony if the person has one or more prior convictions within 10 years for similar animal cruelty offenses under Alaska law or comparable ordinances in other jurisdictions.

Courts may impose the same discretionary penalties for felony convictions: animal forfeiture, reimbursement for shelter and veterinary care costs, and prohibition from animal ownership for up to 10 years.

The penalty changes apply only to offenses occurring on or after the effective date of the act.