Bill > S717

Introduced Session

This bill provides for an animal welfare organization, animal rescue organization, or operator of a foster home or shelter to take custody of an animal confiscated from its owner and being held pending adjudication of an alleged animal cruelty violation. Specifically the bill provides that the animal would be placed in the custody of an animal welfare organization, animal rescue organization, or operator of a foster home or shelter on the seventh day after it is confiscated, if the owner has not resumed custody of the animal. The animal welfare organization, animal rescue organization, or operator of a foster home or shelter would properly house and care for the animal until adjudication of the alleged animal cruelty violation and final disposition of the animal by the court. The bill provides that if the animal is placed in the custody of a shelter and remains at the shelter, the shelter would not be able to offer the animal for adoption or euthanize the animal until seven days after the final disposition of the animal by the court. Furthermore, the bill provides that: 1) the animal welfare organization, animal rescue organization, or operator of a foster home or shelter is entitled to reimbursement of all care expenses incurred for the animal; and 2) upon conviction of the animal cruelty offense or if the owner is found liable for civil penalties therefor, the court is directed to order the owner to pay the animal welfare organization, animal rescue organization, or operator of a foster home or shelter for all care expenses incurred for the animal.

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Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/12/2016)