AB 520

Under current law, a person who commits an act of animal abuse is subject to

a Class C forfeiture, unless the animal abuse results in the mutilation,

disfigurement, or death of the animal, in which case the person is guilty of a Class

I felony. Under this bill, a person who commits an act of animal abuse is guilty of a

Class I felony if the animal abuse results in grievous bodily harm to or the death of

the animal or if the person knows or reasonably should know that the animal abuse

may result in grievous bodily harm to or the death of an animal, regardless of

whether grievous bodily harm or death occurs.

Under current law, a court may order that a person who commits an act of

animal abuse may not own, possess, or train any animal or type or species of animal

for a period specified by the court, but not to exceed five years. Under the bill, the

court may enter such an order, including an order that the person may not reside with

any animal or type or species of animal, if the person is convicted of a misdemeanor

violation, and must enter such an order, including an order that the person may not

reside with any animal or type or species of animal, for a period of up to fifteen years

if the person is convicted of a felony violation.

Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime,

the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a

report.