SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5177

BYSenator Kreidler

Increasing penalties for animal abuse.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1987

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

It is a misdemeanor to cruelly overdrive, overload, overwork, torture, torment, cruelly beat, mutilate, cruelly kill or not provide necessary sustenance to any animal.

In recent prosecutions for cruelty to animals, country prosecutors have found that the animals being abused could not be removed from the cruel situation.  Fear also exists that criminal or civil actions may arise when law enforcement or other individuals try to help restore an abused animal back to health.

SUMMARY:

The penalty for cruelty to animals is elevated to a gross misdemeanor.  If the county sheriff finds evidence of cruelty, the sheriff may remove the animal to proper pasture or other suitable place for feeding, treatment and restoring health.  The court may require a defendant convicted of cruelty to animals to forfeit any rights in the animal and pay reasonable costs associated with caring for the animal.  Any person treating an animal shall not be criminally or civilly liable if the animal should die.

Nothing in this chapter shall interfere with the right to properly raise animals, nor shall this chapter apply to a good faith effort to care for livestock during extreme weather or natural condition.

Fiscal Note:      none requested