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HB 1824

DCEO-MASTER PLAN

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jay Hoffman

Daisy's Law empowers Arkansas law enforcement to swiftly secure dogs and cats at risk of cruelty, improving animal welfare and potentially saving lives.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1824

Summary of House Bill 1824: Dog and Cat Rescue Act - Daisy's Law

Bill Number: HB 1824
Status: Enacted as Act 688
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1824, known as the Dog and Cat Rescue Act: Daisy's Law, aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding animal cruelty in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill is to empower law enforcement officers to take immediate action to secure dogs and cats in situations where their welfare is at risk due to suspected cruelty.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes to existing animal cruelty laws in Arkansas:

  1. Temporary Securing of Animals:

    • Law enforcement officers are authorized to temporarily secure a dog or cat if there is a substantial likelihood that the animal's condition will deteriorate without intervention.
    • This provision allows officers to transfer temporary custody of the animal to an appropriate facility or organization.

  2. Use of Evidence:

    • Officers may use the condition of other animals owned by the same individual as supporting evidence when deciding to secure a dog or cat. This provision aims to provide a broader context for assessing the welfare of the animals involved.

  3. Amendment to Existing Law:

    • The bill amends Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 62, Subchapter 1, by adding a new section (5-62-128) specifically addressing these provisions.

Impact

The enactment of Daisy's Law is expected to have several significant impacts:

  • Animal Welfare: The law aims to improve the immediate response to cases of animal cruelty, potentially saving the lives of dogs and cats in distress.
  • Law Enforcement Training: Law enforcement agencies may need to implement training programs to ensure officers are equipped to handle these situations effectively.
  • Community Awareness: The law may raise public awareness about animal cruelty issues and the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 18, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • April 1, 2025: Returned by the House Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 2, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 3, 2025: Received in the Senate, read, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • April 7, 2025: Returned by the Senate Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 16, 2025: Notification that HB 1824 is now Act 688.

Conclusion

Daisy's Law represents a significant step forward in protecting the welfare of dogs and cats in Arkansas. By granting law enforcement the authority to act swiftly in cases of suspected cruelty, the law aims to ensure better outcomes for vulnerable animals in the state.

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

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