HB3381 Summary

• Law enforcement officers may seize companion animals during arrests for animal cruelty violations under Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 4.01, or 7.1 of the Humane Care for Animals Act.

• Officers must file an affidavit with the court describing the animal's condition, seizure details, and ownership information, and place seized animals in animal control or shelter custody pending court adjudication.

• State's Attorney may file a "petition for forfeiture prior to trial" within 14 days of seizure, requiring proof by preponderance of evidence that the defendant violated animal cruelty statutes.

• Upon conviction, courts may order forfeiture of the animals involved and prohibit the convicted person and household members from owning or possessing animals for a reasonable period.

• Courts shall impose a mandatory prohibition on animal ownership for persons convicted of 2 or more violations of animal cruelty statutes, applying to the convicted person and all household members.