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Bill

S 182

An act relating to animal cruelty violation forfeitures and the Animal Welfare Fund

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Williams

The bill strengthens forfeiture of assets tied to animal cruelty and directs proceeds to the Animal Welfare Fund to fund enforcement, rescue, and welfare activities.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 182

Overview

Bill S.182 (2025-2026 Session, Vermont) proposes reforms related to animal cruelty violations, including forfeiture provisions and the Animal Welfare Fund. The measure appears to address how proceeds or assets related to animal cruelty cases are handled and how the Animal Welfare Fund is funded or utilized. The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 6, 2026. Co-sponsor: Terry Williams.

Purpose and intent

  • Align enforcement and penalties for animal cruelty with clearer forfeiture mechanisms.
  • Strengthen funding for the Animal Welfare Fund to support enforcement, rescue, rehabilitation, or related welfare activities.
  • Provide a framework for disposition of assets or proceeds resulting from animal cruelty cases to support animal welfare efforts.

Key provisions and changes (as implied)

Note: Specific statutory text is not provided here; the summary reflects typical components of such bills based on the title and action history.

  • Forfeiture of assets: Establish or expand authority for forfeiture related to animal cruelty violations. This could include forfeiture of property or assets obtained through or connected with animal cruelty, subject to due process protections.
  • Allocation to the Animal Welfare Fund: Direct or expand the use of forfeited assets or other revenues to fund the Animal Welfare Fund. This may broaden the fund’s resources for enforcement, animal shelters, veterinary care, rehabilitation, or cruelty-prevention programs.
  • Administration and procedures: Create or modify procedures for forfeiture actions (e.g., court processes, notice requirements, timelines, appeals) to ensure fair treatment of respondents while enabling timely transfer to the Fund.
  • Definitions and scope: Clarify definitions of “animal cruelty,” “forfeiture,” and related terms to set precise boundaries for the measure’s application.
  • Oversight and reporting: Impose reporting requirements on use of Fund dollars and on forfeiture outcomes to ensure accountability and transparency.

Who would be affected

  • Animal control agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors: New or clarified forfeiture authority and procedures affecting how cases are pursued and assets handled.
  • Animal welfare organizations and shelters: Potential impact through increased funding for welfare work via the Animal Welfare Fund.
  • Individuals or entities involved with animals who may face forfeiture in cruelty cases (owners, exhibitors, or others with custody or control of animals).
  • Courts and the judiciary: Administrative adjustments to handle forfeiture proceedings and fund-related allocations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: S.182 introduced and assigned to the Judiciary Committee.
  • Legislative process: First reading completed (2026-01-06); bill awaits committee action, potential amendments, and subsequent readings, followed by floor votes and potential passage to the governor for signature or veto.
  • Potential effective date: If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date for provisions (often upon passage or a future date), and may include transitional provisions for ongoing cases.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public safety and animal welfare: Enhanced enforcement tools could deter cruelty and improve welfare outcomes through better funding.
  • Resource allocation: Increased funding to the Animal Welfare Fund may expand services, but would require robust oversight to ensure appropriate use.
  • Legal due process: Forfeiture provisions typically require due process safeguards; the bill would likely include standards to protect rights and ensure proportional consequences.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include any available text from the bill or related committee materials, and highlight exact statutory changes once the bill’s language is released.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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