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ID H0650
Bill
Status
3/14/2012
Primary Sponsor
Ways and Means Committee
Click for details
AI Summary
House Bill 650 Summary
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Defines "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.
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Makes torturing a companion animal a misdemeanor for first and second violations, and a felony for third or subsequent violations within the statute of limitations.
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Allows law enforcement and animal care control officers to take possession of tortured companion animals and provide care until final disposition is determined.
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Establishes felony penalties for organizing or promoting cockfights where controlled substances are present and gambling occurs, and for cockfights using gaffs or enhancing substances.
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Increases penalties for animal cruelty violations: first violation up to 6 months jail/$100-$5,000 fine; second violation up to 9 months/$200-$7,000 fine; third or subsequent up to 12 months/$500-$9,000 fine.
Legislative Description
Amends existing law relating to animal care to revise a definition and 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
3/15/2012