Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that provides new penalties for the mistreatment of animals.

Highlights:

- Defines animal torture as the intentional infliction of prolonged suffering and severe physical pain upon an animal with depraved or sadistic intent. [sec. 5 (1) (a)]. - Classifies animal torture as a class A misdemeanor [sec. 5 (1) (b)]. - Classifies animal torture as a third degree felony if committed within five years of a previous conviction of animal torture [sec. 5 (1) (c)]. - Defines animal cruelty as the unlawful poisoning of or inflicting serious injury to animals [sec. 5 (2) (a)]. - Classifies animal cruelty as a class A misdemeanor if committed intentionally or knowingly, and a class B misdemeanor if committed recklessly [sec. 5 (2) (b)]. - Defines animal neglect as failing to provide necessary food, water or shelter to an animal, or abandonment of an animal that is in the person's custody [sec. 5 (3) (a)]. - Classifies animal neglect as a class B misdemeanor if committed intentionally and a class C misdemeanor if committed recklessly or with criminal negligence [sec. 5 (3)]. - Excludes the lawful slaughter of livestock and any other treatment of livestock in keeping with accepted or customary farming practices from the provisions governing animal torture, cruelty and neglect [sec. 5 (10)].

Full Bill Text