Bill > H1914

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for temporarily prohibiting individuals convicted of animal abuse from owning or accessing animals. The legislation creates a mandatory and potentially long-term ban for those convicted of specific animal-related offenses, with first-time offenders facing a minimum 5-year prohibition and repeat offenders facing at least a 15-year ban. The prohibition is extensive, preventing individuals from not only owning or harboring animals but also working in any capacity that involves animal contact, such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet shops, and animal training facilities. The bill requires courts to notify relevant authorities about the prohibition, including municipal animal control officers and local police departments. Individuals under this ban can petition the court once per year to reduce the prohibition's duration, but they must demonstrate that they do not pose a danger to animals and have completed relevant counseling. Violations of the prohibition can result in forfeiting any animals in the person's custody, additional fines up to $1,000 per animal, and an extended ban period. Fines collected under this law will be deposited into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund, which suggests a broader goal of protecting animal welfare.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1914