Bill > HB2207

This bill amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create a new offense of "kidnapping of animals." The bill makes it a crime for a person to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly take, sell, or purchase any dog, cat, equine animal, swine, or cattle for resale, use in a laboratory, or animal fighting. It also criminalizes intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly taking or carrying away any dog, cat, or equine animal without permission for a special or temporary purpose. The offense is graded as a felony of the third degree for the first offense under subsection (a)(1) and a felony of the second degree for a second or subsequent offense. Offenses under subsection (a)(2) are graded as a misdemeanor of the third degree for the first offense and a misdemeanor of the second degree for a second or subsequent offense. The bill takes effect in 60 days.