FL H0851

Amends animal cruelty law to allow separate charges for each act of cruelty against one animal or each animal subjected to cruelty, and clarifies that animal owners/custodians can be charged with aggravated animal cruelty if they fail to act and injuries or death result.

Creates new statute prohibiting dyeing or artificially coloring animals under 12 weeks of age or any fowl/rabbit; prohibits selling or giving away baby chickens, ducklings, or other fowl under 4 weeks or rabbits under 2 months as pets, toys, or retail premiums, with exceptions for agricultural and exhibition purposes.

Establishes minimum mandatory penalties for aggravated animal cruelty convictions: $2,500 fine and psychological counseling for torture cases; for repeat offenses, $5,000 fine and 6 months incarceration with no eligibility for parole or early release.

Allows counties to use animal control violation surcharge proceeds for animal shelter operating expenses in addition to officer training costs, expiring July 1, 2014.

Adds illegal animal fighting or baiting (Section 828.122) to the list of offenses constituting "racketeering activity" under Florida's RICO Act; effective July 1, 2013.