SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5304

BYSenators Bottiger, Newhouse, Barr and Hansen

Providing for disposition and care of abused animals.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1987

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In recent prosecutions for cruelty to animals, county prosecutors found that animals being abused could not be removed from the cruel situation.  Fear also exists that criminal or civil actions may arise against persons who attempt to protect cruelly treated animals.  This also has led to a hesitancy on the part of law enforcement officers to destroy animals which have been seriously injured in collisions with motor vehicles.

SUMMARY:

A court may require persons convicted of cruelty to animals to forfeit rights in the animal.  If the sheriff authorizes the removal of any animal, the person who aids in the restoration to health of that animal is entitled to actual costs for feed and veterinary services and $5 per day for pasturage.  This shall be enforceable as an agister livestock lien.

Any person treating an animal under this chapter shall not be civilly or criminally liable if the animal dies.

Law enforcement personnel may, with advice from a licensed veterinarian, destroy any animal which has been seriously injured and would otherwise continue to suffer.  Law enforcement personnel shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for such actions.

Fiscal Note:      none requested