H.B. 744 - Eva's Act Summary

• Adds failure to provide "adequate space" to the definition of animal cruelty under G.S. 14-360, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor offense with each act constituting a separate offense.

• Defines "adequate space" for tethered animals as requiring a tether of at least 15 feet or four times the animal's length (whichever is greater), weighing no more than one-tenth of the animal's body weight, and properly attached to prevent injury or entanglement.

• Defines "adequate space" more broadly as sufficient space allowing freedom of movement, including the animal's ability to stand, sit, lie down, turn around, and interact safely with other animals.

• Provides specific definitions for key terms including "animal" (all living vertebrates except humans), "extreme weather," "intentionally," "maliciously," "lawful hunt," and "torture, torment, or cruelly."

• Effective December 1, 2023, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.