HB 23-1286 Summary

• Increases mandatory minimum fine for second or subsequent convictions involving cruelty to service animals, certified police working dogs, or police working horses from $1,000 to $2,000.

• Applies the enhanced penalties to both cruelty to animals and aggravated cruelty to animals offenses under subsection (1.5)(c) of the statute.

• Requires mandatory anger management or other appropriate treatment program completion in addition to fine payment for repeat offenders.

• Expands restitution requirements for convictions involving service animals, police working dogs, or horses to include veterinary expenses, replacement costs, and training and certification costs if malicious intent is found.

• Applies changes specifically to working animals used in connection with governmental entities.