HI HB698

Elevates cruelty to animals in the first degree from a class C felony to a class B felony when the offense involves a pet animal (torture, mutilation, poisoning, or killing resulting in serious bodily injury or death)

Increases cruelty to animals in the second degree to a class B felony when the offense involves ten or more pet animals in one instance or results in the death of a pet animal

Requires a minimum five-year ban on owning or possessing pet animals for anyone convicted of first or second degree animal cruelty involving pet animals

Upgrades a second or subsequent offense of causing injury or death to a service animal or law enforcement animal from a class C felony to a class B felony

Takes effect July 1, 2050