HI SB978

Imposes a mandatory one-year prison sentence for defendants convicted of cruelty to animals in the second degree involving five or more pet animals in a single instance.

Addresses a recent case where a Waimanalo dog breeding facility manager received only six months in jail for 153 animal cruelty counts and was released for time served while awaiting trial.

Received support from the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney and Humane Society of the United States-Hawaii, with opposition from the Office of the Public Defender.

Committee clarified the measure does not prioritize pet animals over criminal acts against five or more individuals, noting SB 421 provides identical mandatory sentencing for crimes against either group.

Committee recommends the bill pass Second Reading and proceed to Third Reading, affirming it sends a clear message that animal cruelty is an intolerable criminal act.