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Bill

A 730

Increases certain penalties for violating the prohibition of animal fighting and for aggravated cruelty to animals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Bill A 730 raises penalties for animal fighting violations and aggravated cruelty, deterring organizers, participants, and others and strengthening enforcement.

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · A 730

Summary: Bill A 730 – Increases penalties for animal fighting violations and aggravated cruelty to animals

Overview

Bill A 730, introduced on January 8, 2025 and currently REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE, seeks to raise penalties for violations of the prohibition on animal fighting and for acts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The primary sponsor is Linda Rosenthal. The bill has several related measures from prior sessions and a companion bill in the Senate (S 1205).

Purpose and intent

  • Strengthen deterrence against animal fighting and severe cruelty by increasing the penalties associated with these offenses.
  • Align penalties with the serious harm caused by animal fighting activities and aggravated cruelty, aiming to improve animal welfare and enforcement outcomes.

Key provisions (as described by the bill’s title and status)

  • The bill would increase the penalties for:
    • Violations of the prohibition on animal fighting (e.g., activities such as organizing, promoting, participating in, or profiting from animal fighting ventures).
    • Aggravated cruelty to animals (acts deemed more severe than standard cruelty under current law).
  • The specific enhancements (e.g., higher fines, longer jail terms, enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, mandatory penalties, restitution, or enhanced enforcement tools) would be defined in the bill’s text. The summary here reflects the stated intent to raise penalties rather than detailing exact provisions, which require consulting the full bill language.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and entities involved in animal fighting activities (organizers, participants, sponsors, attendees, promoters) who would face higher penalties under violations of the animal fighting prohibition.
  • Individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, and possibly related offenders such as those who facilitate or conceal such acts.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts enforcing animal welfare statutes.
  • Animal welfare organizations and advocacy groups may be affected indirectly through enforcement and public policy changes.

Legislative process and timelines

  • Status: Referred to the Agriculture Committee (as of January 8, 2025).
  • Legislative actions listed show the bill being referred to Agriculture on the same date.
  • Related legislation exists from prior sessions (A 1445, A 6095, A 1520, A 8444, A 9613, A 8082, A 984, A 1558, A 390) and a companion Senate bill (S 1205). These may reflect ongoing efforts and potential parallel or substitute provisions.
  • If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and then floor votes in the Senate and Assembly, subject to legislative calendars and tactics.

Additional notes

  • The exact penalties, definitions, and enforcement mechanisms would be specified in the bill’s text. For readers seeking precise changes (specific fines, prison terms, and restored funds), the official bill language should be consulted.

If you’d like, I can summarize the exact provisions once you share the full text or link to the bill.

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

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