Bill
S 5409
Overview: Bill Number: S 5409, Title: Enhances penalties for committing multiple animal cruelty offenses, Status: REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE, Introduced: February 21, 2025Purpose and
Overview: Bill Number: S 5409, Title: Enhances penalties for committing multiple animal cruelty offenses, Status: REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE, Introduced: February 21, 2025
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to strengthen the penalties for individuals who commit multiple acts of animal cruelty. The goal is to deter repeat offenders and provide more robust protections for animals.
Key Provisions:
- Increases the penalties for individuals convicted of a second or subsequent animal cruelty offense within a 5-year period
- Establishes a felony charge for a third or subsequent animal cruelty offense within a 5-year period, with a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison
- Requires mandatory psychological evaluation and counseling for individuals convicted of multiple animal cruelty offenses
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Individuals who commit acts of animal cruelty, such as neglect, abuse, or abandonment, will face harsher penalties for repeat offenses
- Animal welfare organizations and law enforcement may benefit from the increased deterrent and ability to hold repeat offenders accountable
- Animals in the state will have greater protections from individuals who have demonstrated a pattern of cruelty
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been referred to the Agriculture committee for further review and consideration. If passed and signed into law, the enhanced penalties would apply to any animal cruelty offenses committed after the effective date of the legislation.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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