HB 11-1039 Summary

• Defines "bovine" as a cow, steer, bull, heifer, ox, or bison, and "equine" as a horse, pony, donkey, mule, or hinny for purposes of animal cruelty statutes.

• Establishes that intentionally dragging a bovine by its tail or lassoing/roping the legs of an equine for entertainment, sport, or contest constitutes cruelty to animals.

• Makes a second or subsequent conviction for this animal cruelty offense a class 6 felony.

• Excludes animal cruelty offenses under this section from the definition of "nonviolent misdemeanor" for purposes of sentence modifications and release from incarceration.

• Requires juveniles adjudicated delinquent for animal cruelty under this section to complete anger management or other treatment programs as deemed appropriate by the court; mandatory for second or subsequent offenses.