Bill > H5128

This bill amends an existing animal cruelty law to increase penalties for offenses that could result in an animal's death. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that makes any offense under the statute which might lead to an animal's death punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both, for each individual offense. This is an enhancement to the current law, which previously imposed lighter penalties of up to 11 months imprisonment and fines between $50 and $500. The bill maintains the existing law's protections against animal cruelty, such as prohibitions on overdriving, overloading, torturing, or depriving animals of necessary sustenance, but introduces more severe consequences specifically for offenses that could potentially result in an animal's death. The new provisions are designed to provide stronger deterrence and punishment for serious acts of animal cruelty. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, allowing for immediate implementation of the enhanced penalties.

Justice

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