HB4043: Relating to animal cruelty; prescribing an effective date.

Legislative Summary

The Act creates a new crime of interfering with an animal cruelty investigation. The Act makes certain changes to current animal cruelty laws. The Act allows a person who is banned from owning or living with an animal to ask to change the ban. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.0). Creates the crime of interfering with an investigation into an offense against an animal. Punishes by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, a $6,250 fine, or both. Establishes certain changes related to the crime of animal abuse in the first degree. Establishes certain changes related to the crime of aggravated animal abuse in the first degree. Establishes certain changes related to the crime of animal neglect in the first degree. Prohibits a person convicted of violating certain animal cruelty statutes from possessing or residing with an animal of the same genus against which the crime was committed or a domestic animal for a certain period of time. Punishes a violation of a prohibition by a maximum of six months' imprisonment, a $2,500 fine, or both. Allows a person subject to a prohibition to request changes to the prohibition under certain circumstances. Punishes a violation of an amended order of prohibition by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, a $6,250 fine, or both. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.