HB1778 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 5-62-103 to enhance penalties for animal cruelty offenses, with stricter punishments for crimes involving cats or dogs compared to other animals.

• First offense is an unclassified misdemeanor with fines of $150-$1,000 (or $150-$2,500 if victim is a cat or dog), up to 1 year imprisonment or community service, and mandatory psychiatric/psychological evaluation and counseling.

• Second offense within 5 years is an unclassified misdemeanor with fines of $400-$1,000 (or $1,000-$2,500 for cats/dogs), 7 days to 1 year imprisonment or 30+ days community service, plus mandatory evaluation and treatment.

• Third offense involving cats or dogs is elevated to a Class D felony; third offense for other animals remains an unclassified misdemeanor with 90-day minimum jail or community service.

• Fourth or subsequent offense is a Class D felony with mandatory psychiatric or psychological evaluation and treatment; multiple animals harmed in a single 24-hour period count as one offense for sentencing purposes.