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H 578

An act relating to penalties and procedures for animal cruelty offenses

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ian Goodnow and 3 co-sponsors

The bill broadens prohibited animal cruelty, enhances penalties (including for sexual conduct with animals), and creates a dedicated Animal Welfare Fund to support enforcement, car

House message: Governor approved bill on June 8, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 578

Summary of H.578 (2025-2026) — Vermont: An act relating to penalties and procedures for animal cruelty offenses

Purpose and intent

H.578 revises Vermont’s penalties, definitions, and enforcement procedures for animal cruelty offenses. The bill expands and clarifies the scope of prohibited conduct, enhances penalties for certain offenses (including sexual conduct with animals), strengthens forfeiture and civil processes for seized animals, and creates a framework for treatment, monitoring, and post-conviction oversight. It also establishes a dedicated Animal Welfare Fund to support enforcement and related activities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expanded definitions (Sec. 1)

    • Defines “sexual conduct” with animals to include:
    • Direct acts between a person and an animal involving contact of designated body parts or instruments.
    • Insertion into the animal’s vaginal or anal openings without a veterinary/animal husbandry purpose.
    • Touching or fondling an animal’s sex organs or anus without a bona fide purpose.
    • Transfer or transmission of semen by a person to an animal.
    • Defines “working with” as any role requiring contact with animals (e.g., boarding, shelters, veterinary clinics, etc.).

  • Cruelty and aggravated cruelty enhancements (Sec. 2 and Sec. 3)

    • Maintains existing cruelty provisions (abuse, deprivation of food/water/shelter, etc.) but with clarified language and added prohibitions (e.g., animal tied or restrained inhumane ways; certain standards exempted for livestock/husbandry practices).
    • Adds enlarged prohibitions on animal fighting, including possession of devices for fighting and participation as a trainer, handler, or spectator.
    • Prohibits sexual conduct with an animal and expands penalties for possession or promotion of animals intended for sexual conduct.
    • Expands penalties for aggravated cruelty (section 352a), including sexual conduct in the presence of a minor or in which a minor participates, and related acts.

  • Penalties and sentencing (Sec. 4)

    • Establishes standard penalties:
    • Cruelty (non-aggravated): up to 1 year imprisonment and/or $2,000 fine; second/subsequent offenses up to 2 years and/or $5,000.
    • Aggravated cruelty: up to 5 years and/or $5,000; second/subsequent offenses up to 10 years and/or $7,500.
    • Certain 352(5) or (6) provisions: up to 5 years or $5,000.
    • Introduces civil citations as an option for certain violations (subject to court approval) with a civil penalty up to $500 for first-time offenders.
    • Allows for additional sanctions: forfeiture of animals (first and subsequent offenses), payment of victim and care costs, participation in approved animal cruelty prevention or counseling programs, and possible court-ordered prohibition from owning or working with animals (up to 5 or 10 years depending on offense).

  • Forfeiture and custody of seized animals (Sec. 4 continuation)

    • Courts may order forfeiture of animals and custody transfer to humane societies or appropriate custodians.
    • Civil forfeiture procedures run independently of criminal proceedings, with timelines for hearings, security postings, and ability to appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court.
    • Provides detailed procedures for notice, security amounts, and potential return of animals if the state fails to prove cruelty by clear and convincing evidence.

  • Enforcement and administration (Secs. 5–7)

    • Expands who may seize and care for seized animals; outlines voluntary surrender and warrant-based seizure processes.
    • Establishes a custodial care framework, cost accountability, and potential euthanasia decisions with veterinary guidance.
    • Creates and funds the Animal Welfare Fund (25%+ revenue from surcharges and other sources) to reimburse and support enforcement, care, and related activities.
    • directs the Division of Animal Welfare to adopt rules governing security management and distributions from the Fund.

  • Effective date

    • July 1, 2026.

Who and what is affected

  • Individuals accused of cruelty, aggravated cruelty, or related offenses (including sexual conduct with animals).
  • Animal owners, custodians, and those in positions of care (e.g., shelter workers, veterinarians, humane society staff).
  • Humane societies, animal control agencies, and the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Animal Welfare.
  • Courts handling criminal cases, civil forfeiture actions, and welfare-related proceedings.
  • The Animal Welfare Fund, funded by surcharges, appropriations, and forfeiture proceeds.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Civil forfeiture proceedings are designed to operate alongside, but independently from, criminal cases.
  • Forfeiture hearings include specific timelines (preliminary hearing within 21 days; merits hearing within 21 days after preliminary hearing; post-seizure security requirements with defined durations).
  • Appeals related to forfeiture are to the Vermont Supreme Court, with security posted for appeal.
  • Effective date set for July 1, 2026, allowing time for rulemaking and implementation.

Overall, H.578 strengthens Vermont’s response to animal cruelty by broadening prohibited conduct, increasing penalties, systematizing animal seizure and care, and funding ongoing enforcement and welfare activities.

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

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