Bill > HB2436

This bill modifies provisions related to animal abuse and neglect, creating a new offense for making a malicious false report of animal abuse, which is a class C misdemeanor, with a defense if the report was made in good faith and with reasonable belief. It also expands the definition of animal neglect to include failing to provide adequate control for animals, excluding livestock, and increases penalties for neglect that results in property damage exceeding $750, physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to a person, with the offense escalating to a class E felony or higher in severe cases. The bill also clarifies that animal abuse is a class A misdemeanor, but becomes a class E felony if it involves torture, mutilation, or starvation. Furthermore, it revises procedures for the impoundment of neglected or abused animals, requiring a warrant for entry onto private property, mandating a disposition hearing within thirty days, and outlining conditions for animal care, potential sterilization, and owner liability for impoundment costs, with provisions for posting bond to prevent disposition of the animal. It also exempts law enforcement dogs from certain animal abuse and neglect provisions when acting in their official duties.