HI HR95

Requests the Governor to establish a Task Force on the Humane Treatment of Animals to review and examine Hawaii's animal cruelty laws.

Task Force membership includes prosecutors from each county, law enforcement with animal cruelty experience, Public Defender representative, veterinarian, national and local animal advocacy organizations (dogs, cats, horses/livestock, monk seals, birds), and two public members.

Task Force must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2015 Regular Session convening.

Report must examine current animal cruelty laws regarding abandonment, registries for felony animal abuse offenders, and treatment of dead companion animals, plus identify enforcement issues and document any dissenting opinions.

Judiciary shall provide administrative assistance to the Task Force, with certified copies of the resolution transmitted to the Governor, courts, county prosecutors, and Public Defenders.