Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to animal abuse, neglect, and torture, and providing penalties
Sponsored by Rep. Matthew Rinker (R)
Topics:Crime & corrections
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 24, 2025
- Stopped: SubcommitteeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by February 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People who abuse, neglect, or torture animals would face tougher punishments under this law. If an animal is seriously injured or killed because of neglect or abuse, the person would be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor. This change applies to anyone committing these acts, even if it is their first time.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to animal abuse, neglect, and torture. The bill provides that a person who commits animal abuse or animal neglect that results in serious injury or death to the animal, or a person who commits animal torture, is guilty of a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. Current law designates a first offense as an aggravated misdemeanor, and a class “D” felony for subsequent violations.