Bill > HB319

This bill amends Hawaii's animal cruelty law to create several specific exemptions to the crime of cruelty to animals in the second degree. The bill allows property owners or lessees to exterminate feral chickens on their property, using methods consistent with the American Veterinary Medical Association's euthanasia guidelines. It also exempts property owners from animal cruelty charges when exterminating insects, vermin, or pests through various methods, including: using legally approved poison, using licensed traps that are properly deployed, or employing common accepted physical extermination methods. These new exemptions are added to existing exceptions for veterinary practices, scientific research, and professional pest control operations. The bill preserves existing legal protections while providing property owners more flexibility in managing unwanted animals on their property. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, though this is likely a typographical error and probably meant to be a near-future date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=319&year=2025