A bill being considered in Washington state would significantly increase penalties for animal cruelty and illegal fighting, expanding the definition of the crimes and imposing stricter punishments on offenders.
Washington lawmakers held a hearing Monday on a bill that would significantly strengthen penalties for animal cruelty and illegal fighting. Previously, Washington law primarily focused on individuals directly involved in organizing or participating in animal fights. The new bill broadens the scope to encompass those who aid or abet such activities, closing loopholes that allowed some participants to escape prosecution.
Additionally, the bill designates animal fighting as a serious level III offense, escalating to level IV when intentional animal mutilation is involved. A landmark change in the bill is the permanent ban on owning, caring for, possessing, or residing with any animal belonging to someone convicted of animal fighting. The bill also revises the definition of Animal Cruelty in the second degree to include individuals who willfully instigate, engage in, or further any act of animal cruelty.Individuals convicted of animal cruelty or fighting who violate the imposed prohibitions on animal ownership face escalating consequences: the first violation is a misdemeanor, the second is a gross misdemeanor, and a class C felony for third or subsequent violations. The bill also reduces the time an animal must be confined without necessary food or water before intervention from 36 to 24 hours, allowing for swifter action to prevent suffering. Law enforcement officers are granted expanded authority to enter premises and seize animals when probable cause exists, with immediate and permanent forfeiture to custodial agencies, streamlining the process to protect animals in danger.Washington established its broad animal cruelty law in 1901 and has consistently strengthened it since. For instance, last year, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill adding first-degree animal cruelty to the list of felonies. The state's commitment to animal welfare is evident in this latest legislative effort to combat animal cruelty and illegal fighting activities
ANIMALA ABUSE ANIMALFIGHTING LEGISLATION WASHINGTON STATE ANIMALCRUELTYLAW
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