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VT S0182
Bill
AI Summary
- Expedites animal forfeiture procedures by allowing automatic forfeiture 20 days after seizure unless the owner posts security and requests a hearing within 10 days
- Requires owners who contest forfeiture to post security covering 40 days of food costs, with amounts set by the Director of Animal Welfare's administrative schedule
- Creates a new $50.00 surcharge on persons convicted of animal cruelty violations, with proceeds deposited into the Animal Welfare Fund
- Expands the Animal Welfare Fund to provide reimbursement for costs of caring for seized animals, adding court fees, restitution, and defendant-posted security as funding sources
- Establishes expedited timelines for forfeiture hearings (within 30 days of request) and appeals (decision within 5 business days), with courts able to reduce or waive security requirements for financial hardship
Legislative Description
An act relating to animal cruelty violation forfeitures and the Animal Welfare Fund
Last Action
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
1/6/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/6/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available