AB 368

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 current law, animal abuse means treating an animal in a cruel

manner, but the prohibition on animal abuse does not prohibit normal and accepted

veterinary practices.

Under this bill, the prohibition on animal abuse also does not prohibit training

or hunting with dogs in the manner authorized by the department of natural

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

a Class H felony if the animal abuse results in grievous bodily harm to or the death

of the animal and is guilty of a Class I felony 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.