Chapter 194

2011 -- H 5522 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED

Enacted 07/01/11

 

A N A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL ABUSE OFFENDERS

          

     Introduced By: Representatives E Coderre, Bennett, Naughton, and Flaherty

     Date Introduced: March 02, 2011

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-1 of the General Laws entitled "Cruelty to Animals" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

 

     4-1-40. Possession of animals. (a) In addition to any other penalty imposed by law, a

person convicted of, or who entered a plea of nolo contendere to, any misdemeanor violation

under the provisions of this chapter may, based on the discretion of the sentencing judge, not

possess or reside with any animal for a period of up to five (5) years following entry of the

conviction or upon acceptance of a plea of nolo contendere by the court. Any offense under this

subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000),

by imprisonment for a term not more than one year, or both, and forfeiture of the animal(s).

     (b) In addition to any other penalty imposed by law, a person convicted of, or who

entered a plea of nolo contendere to, any felony violation under the provisions of this chapter

may, based on the discretion of the sentencing judge, not possess or reside with any animal for a

period of up to fifteen (15) years following entry of the conviction or upon acceptance of a plea of

nolo contendere by the court. Any offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a

fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), by imprisonment for a term not more than

one year, or both, and forfeiture of the animal(s).

 

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC00476/SUB A/3

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