Loading chat...
ID H0625
Bill
Status
3/2/2012
Primary Sponsor
Ways and Means Committee
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Adds new definition of "torture" as knowing and willful infliction of unjustifiable and extreme or prolonged pain with intent to cause suffering, excluding accidental acts and normal legal practices.
-
Makes torturing a companion animal a misdemeanor for first and second violations, and a felony for third or subsequent violations; allows law enforcement and animal control officers to take possession of tortured animals.
-
Increases penalties for cockfighting displays involving controlled substances and gambling to felony status; makes use of gaffs or performance-enhancing substances a misdemeanor for first violation and felony for second or subsequent violations.
-
Revises penalty structure: first violation up to 6 months jail or $100-$5,000 fine; second violation within 10 years up to 9 months jail or $200-$7,000 fine; third or subsequent violation within 15 years up to 12 months jail or $500-$9,000 fine.
-
Authorizes courts to terminate offender's rights to animal possession and award animals to humane societies, law enforcement agencies, or animal control agencies for custody and disposition.
Legislative Description
Amends existing law relating to animal care to define a term; to provide for violations relating to committing torture to companion animals, to provide that certain officers may take possession of companion animals subjected to torture; to provide for violations and penalties relating to certain displays of combat between gamecocks; and to revise provisions relating to penalties for violations.
ANIMAL CARE
Last Action
to Agric Aff
3/5/2012