summary
Introduced
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
In Committee
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
This bill proposes to supplement the penalties and crimes related to animal cruelty. Specifically, this bill proposes to require that a person convicted of animal cruelty or aggravated animal cruelty be dispossessed of any animal in the person’s possession and be prohibited from possessing or owning any animal in the future. Further, this bill proposes to introduce the concept of “coercive control” within the animal cruelty context. As a result, this bill proposes that persons who commit or threaten to commit animal cruelty upon an animal to influence a victim of domestic abuse may face additional criminal penalties.
AI Summary
This bill aims to strengthen animal cruelty laws by introducing more comprehensive penalties and protections. Specifically, the bill proposes that individuals convicted of animal cruelty must be permanently dispossessed of their animals and be prohibited from owning or possessing animals in the future. Additionally, the bill introduces the legal concept of "coercive control" in the context of animal cruelty, which means that if a person threatens or commits animal abuse as a means to manipulate or control a victim of domestic abuse, they can face enhanced criminal penalties. This approach recognizes the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence, acknowledging that abusers may harm or threaten animals as a way to intimidate or control human victims. By expanding the legal framework around animal cruelty, the bill seeks to provide greater protection for both animals and potential domestic abuse victims.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Committee on Judiciary Hearing (00:00:00 5/20/2025 ) (on 05/20/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.492 |
| BillText | https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0492/H-0492%20As%20Introduced.pdf |
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