HB204 Summary

• Revises animal impoundment procedures to allow seizure of animals subjected to cruelty, fighting, or baiting, and extends impoundment from 48 hours to up to 30 days upon court order showing need for animal protection during investigation.

• Creates civil cause of action allowing Delaware Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to sue persons committing animal cruelty with liquidated damages of $2,500 plus court costs upon finding of liability.

• Establishes escalating prohibition on animal ownership: 5 years for first violation, additional 5 years for second violation, and permanent prohibition for third violation (with exception for licensed commercial farm operations).

• Requires dog owners to pay impoundment and care costs within 30 days or forfeit ownership to the S.P.C.A., and clarifies that animals remain in custody pending legal proceedings and exhaustion of appeals.

• Provides first-time warning only for violations relating solely to dog tethering; includes express exemption from abandonment charges for cats released through Trap, Neuter and Release Program.