Bill > H2793

This bill proposes to increase the penalties for animal cruelty in Massachusetts, specifically for acts of killing, maiming, torturing, disfiguring, or poisoning animals. It amends existing laws by replacing the current penalties with more severe ones, including the possibility of imprisonment in state prison for up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000, or imprisonment in jail for up to two and a half years and a fine of up to $2,500. The bill also clarifies that these increased penalties apply to owners or custodians of animals who commit these acts, as well as to those who harm another person's animal. The term "maims" refers to causing severe injury that permanently disables an animal.