Bill > HB1932

This bill updates Pennsylvania's animal-related criminal statutes, primarily focusing on sexual crimes involving animals. It repeals the existing statute on sexual intercourse with an animal and replaces it with a more comprehensive section defining sexual crimes against animals, which includes engaging in sexual contact with an animal, possessing an animal for sexual purposes, organizing or promoting animal sexual contact, and related offenses. The bill establishes these actions as felonies, with third-degree felony charges for most violations and second-degree felony charges if the offense occurs in the presence of a minor under 13. The legislation also includes significant additional penalties, such as mandatory relinquishment of animal custody and a five-year prohibition on owning, harboring, or working with animals. Importantly, the bill maintains exemptions for accepted veterinary practices, artificial insemination, normal agricultural operations, animal husbandry, and breed conformation judging. The bill modifies existing animal cruelty statutes, particularly around aggravated cruelty, and ensures that normal agricultural operations remain exempt from these criminal provisions. The new law will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1932