SB1510 Summary

• Allows prosecutors to charge a person with a separate offense for each animal harmed when violations of animal cruelty laws involve multiple animals.

• Applies to violations of dog tethering requirements, cruel treatment, aggravated cruelty, animal torture, poisoning, improper confinement during transportation, and confinement in motor vehicles.

• Establishes that tethering dogs requires compliance with standards including minimum 10-foot lead length, proper harnesses/collars, and preventing entanglement or escape to neighboring properties.

• Maintains existing penalties for animal cruelty violations while enabling enhanced prosecutorial discretion through multiple-animal charging provisions.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.