Senate Bill 719 Summary

• Expands the definition of animal cruelty to include failure to provide adequate space or shelter, making these violations Class 1 misdemeanors with each act constituting a separate offense.

• Establishes detailed definitions for "adequate shelter" including requirements that shelter be suitable for the species, protect from weather and extreme temperatures, be properly lit and cleaned, and provide appropriate resting surfaces for dogs and cats.

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

• Prohibits outdoor tethering during extreme weather (temperatures above 85°F or below 32°F, hurricane warnings, heat advisories, and severe weather warnings).

• Establishes exemptions for lawful hunting, biomedical research, livestock production, food preparation, veterinary activities, animal destruction for public safety, and breed standard alterations; becomes effective December 1, 2023.