Bill > HB608

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's existing animal cruelty law by expanding and clarifying the grading of offenses related to harming animals. Specifically, the bill creates a more nuanced approach to classifying animal cruelty violations, with escalating penalties based on the severity and frequency of the offense. Under the new provisions, most animal cruelty actions will remain a summary offense, but actions causing bodily injury to an animal or placing an animal at imminent risk of serious bodily injury will be classified as a misdemeanor of the second degree. The bill introduces a particularly specific provision regarding ear cropping: if a person who is not a licensed veterinarian cuts, trims, or crops an animal's ears, the first offense will be a misdemeanor of the second degree, and any subsequent offenses will be elevated to a misdemeanor of the first degree. The bill aims to provide more robust legal protection for animals and create stronger deterrents against unnecessary or harmful animal mutilation. The new law will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=608