Bill > HB134

This bill updates Delaware's animal cruelty laws to implement more stringent penalties for repeat offenders. Specifically, after two misdemeanor violations of animal cruelty statutes, any subsequent misdemeanor violations will be classified as class F felonies. Similarly, after the first felony violation involving intentionally killing or causing serious injury to an animal, any further felony violations will be upgraded to class E felonies. The bill also increases the prohibition on animal ownership for convicted offenders: those convicted of a misdemeanor will be barred from owning animals for 10 years (increased from 5 years) after a second violation, and those convicted of a felony violation will be permanently prohibited from owning or possessing any animals after a second offense. Additionally, the bill increases fines for subsequent violations, with misdemeanor repeat offenses subject to a $2,500 fine and felony repeat offenses subject to a $10,000 fine. The legislation applies to various forms of animal cruelty, including cruel mistreatment, neglect, unauthorized killing or injury, and other specified actions that harm animals, while maintaining exceptions for livestock, scientific research, and lawful hunting.

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https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142193