SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5485

As of February 19, 2001

Title:  An act relating to animal cruelty.

Brief Description:  Exempting certain practices from the animal cruelty chapter.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen and Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & International Trade:  2/23/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Background:  Animal care and control agencies enforce this state's animal cruelty laws.  Animal cruelty is punished according to the severity of the offense.  First degree animal cruelty is punished as a class C felony, while animal cruelty in the second degree is punished as a misdemeanor.

Certain animal activities are exempt from the cruelty statutes.  Accepted husbandry practices used in commercial livestock or poultry raising and slaughtering, the use of animals in the normal and usual course of rodeo events, and the customary use or exhibiting animals in normal and usual events at fairs are currently exempt.

Summary of Bill:  The humane, normal, and usual use of horses, mules and oxen for logging, training, riding, and showing is provided an exemption.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.