HI HB1516

Permits duly incorporated humane societies and societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals to petition for forfeiture of impounded pet animals or equine animals prior to the filing of criminal charges against the owner.

Requires courts to hold a hearing within fourteen days of a forfeiture petition and establish probable cause that the animal was subjected to animal cruelty violations before ordering forfeiture.

Allows owners or custodians seventy-two hours after the hearing to either post a security deposit or bond for care costs through trial, or arrange alternative care to prevent immediate forfeiture.

Permits animals to be destroyed prior to trial only if they pose a danger to themselves or others, or are so severely injured that survival is unlikely.

Clarifies that acquittal or dismissal in a criminal proceeding does not preclude civil proceedings under animal cruelty statutes, and allows courts to award reasonable attorney's fees and court costs to the petitioner following conviction.