CT HB05814

Changes probation conditions for children convicted of animal cruelty (section 53-247) from discretionary "may" to mandatory "shall" requirement for psychiatric/psychological counseling or participation in animal cruelty prevention and education programs.

Makes the same mandatory probation condition change for youthful offenders convicted of animal cruelty under section 54-76j.

Adds new felony provision to animal cruelty statute imposing double fines or double imprisonment terms for any adult (18+) who commits animal cruelty in the presence of a child under 18.

Restructures animal cruelty penalties to include separate provisions for malicious maiming/torture (up to $5,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment), animal fighting activities (up to $5,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment), and injury/killing of police or search and rescue animals (up to $10,000 fine and 10 years imprisonment).

All amendments effective October 1, 2011.