Bill Text: HI SB2512 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Animal Desertion; Penalties; Fines
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Passed) 2016-06-30 - Act 165, 06/29/2016 (Gov. Msg. No. 1267). [SB2512 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-SB2512-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2512 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ANIMALS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that thousands of animals, primarily dogs and cats, are deserted or abandoned across Hawaii every year, contributing to increased animal control costs, animal suffering and overpopulation, and increased euthanasia rates at local animal shelters. Abandoned animals are often subject to illness, injury, starvation, disease, attacks by other animals, and even human cruelty. Abandoned animals may also harm native wildlife. Weak penalties associated with Hawaii's current animal desertion statute have failed to adequately deter animal abandonment. Stronger penalties would encourage pet owners to work with local shelters and animal control contractors when a pet must be re-homed, strengthen pet retention and the human-animal bond, and protect pet owners and the animals themselves.
The purpose of this Act is increase penalties for animal desertion.
SECTION 2. Section 143-2.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§143-2.6[]] Animal
desertion. (a) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal or
any person in possession of an animal that belongs to another person to leave
the animal without the intention of returning to it.
(b) Any person who violates this
section shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor[;] and subject to a
fine of $1,000 in addition to any other penalties; provided that if, as a
result of the desertion, the animal suffers death or substantial bodily injury,
the person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a penalty of $2,000
in addition to any other penalties; provided further that each violation shall
constitute a separate offense per animal."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Animal Desertion; Penalties; Fines
Description:
Increases penalties for animal desertion.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
