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Bill

Bill

A 3528

Relates to acts of animal cruelty in the presence of a child

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Donna Lupardo and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 3528 enhances protections for children by increasing penalties for animal cruelty witnessed by minors, prioritizing child welfare and promoting compassion for animals.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3528

Summary of Bill A 3528

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 3528
  • Title: Relates to acts of animal cruelty in the presence of a child
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 3528 aims to address the issue of animal cruelty, particularly focusing on instances where such acts occur in the presence of a child. The intent of the bill is to enhance the legal framework surrounding animal welfare and child protection by recognizing the potential psychological harm to children who witness acts of cruelty towards animals.

Key Provisions

While the specific text of the bill is not provided, the following key provisions can be anticipated based on the title and legislative intent:

  • Definition of Animal Cruelty: The bill is likely to define what constitutes animal cruelty, particularly in contexts where children are present.
  • Legal Consequences: It may introduce or enhance penalties for individuals found guilty of committing acts of animal cruelty in the presence of a child, potentially including increased fines or imprisonment.
  • Child Welfare Considerations: The bill may require that cases of animal cruelty witnessed by children be reported to child protective services, ensuring that the child's welfare is prioritized.
  • Educational Components: There may be provisions for educational programs aimed at teaching children about animal welfare and the importance of compassion towards animals.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Children: The primary focus is on protecting children from witnessing acts of animal cruelty, which can have lasting psychological effects.
  • Pet Owners and Animal Caretakers: Individuals who own pets or care for animals may face stricter regulations and penalties if found guilty of cruelty in the presence of minors.
  • Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services: These agencies may see an increase in cases requiring intervention and may need to adapt their procedures to address the new legal framework.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: The bill has been referred to the Codes Committee as of January 28, 2025. This indicates that it is in the early stages of the legislative process, where it will be reviewed and potentially amended before being brought to the floor for a vote.
  • Related Legislation: Bill A 3528 is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 534, A 706, A 6075, A 2140, A 2664, A 3726, A 1430) that may address similar issues of animal welfare and child protection.

Conclusion

Bill A 3528 seeks to strengthen protections for children by addressing the serious issue of animal cruelty in their presence. By potentially increasing penalties and emphasizing the importance of child welfare in these situations, the bill aims to foster a more compassionate society that values both animal and child welfare. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further details will emerge regarding its specific provisions and implications.

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

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