DE HB204 | 2015-2016 | 148th General Assembly
Status
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: Introduced on June 18 2015 - 25% progression, died in chamber
Action: 2016-01-19 - Stricken
Text: Latest bill text (Draft #1) [HTML]
Status: Introduced on June 18 2015 - 25% progression, died in chamber
Action: 2016-01-19 - Stricken
Text: Latest bill text (Draft #1) [HTML]
Summary
This bill revises the procedure for impounding an animal which has allegedly been the subject of cruelty. The bill also creates a civil cause of action for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to file suit against any person who engaged in cruelty to an animal. There is an express exemption from the ground of abandonment for releasing a cat as part of the Trap, Neuter and Release Program. Upon a finding of cruelty, the defendant is liable to the plaintiff for liquidated damages of $2,500 to cover the plaintiff’s litigation costs, as well as court costs. Also, any person who commits cruelty to an animal is then prohibited from owning or possessing an animal for up to 5 years, except for commercial farms. A second concurrent or subsequent act of cruelty extends the prohibition another 5 years. A third concurrent or subsequent act of cruelty results in a permanent prohibition of owning or possessing an animal, without exception.
Title
An Act To Amend Titles 3 And 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Animal Cruelty.
Sponsors
Rep. Sean Lynn [D] | Sen. Karen Peterson [D] | Rep. Andria Bennett [D] | Rep. Stephanie Bolden [D] |
Rep. Helene Keeley [D] | Rep. John Kowalko [D] | Rep. Kimberly Williams [D] |
History
Date | Chamber | Action |
---|---|---|
2016-01-19 | House | Stricken |
2015-06-23 | House | Reported Out of Committee (JUDICIARY) in House with 1 Favorable, 7 On Its Merits, 1 Unfavorable |
2015-06-23 | House | Amendment HA 1 - Introduced and Placed With Bill |
2015-06-18 | House | Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House |