Loading chat...
IN HB1094
Bill
Status
1/3/2018
Primary Sponsor
Ryan Hatfield
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Increases animal abuse from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony, with enhanced penalties (Level 5 felony) for repeat offenders or when abuse is used to threaten family members
-
Elevates torture or mutilation of a vertebrate animal from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony, and killing a domestic animal without owner consent from Level 6 to Level 5 felony
-
Creates new offense of unlawful dog tethering (Class C misdemeanor) prohibiting tethering dogs under 6 months old, using chains over 1/8 of dog's body weight, tethering overnight (10pm-6am), or during extreme temperatures (below 32°F or above 85°F)
-
Establishes detailed definitions for "minimum care" including daily food access, continuous potable water, adequate shelter, veterinary care, and sufficient living space with proper ventilation and temperature control
-
Increases penalties for harming service animals and search/rescue dogs from Class A misdemeanor to Level 6 felony, with Level 5 felony for serious injury or death
Legislative Description
Animal cruelty. Increases the offense level for certain animal cruelty crimes. Provides that a person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally tethers a dog under certain circumstances while the dog is in the person's care, custody, or control commits unlawful tethering of a dog, a Class C misdemeanor. Amends and creates certain definitions for offenses relating to animals. Makes conforming amendments.
Last Action
Representative Lawson added as coauthor
1/18/2018