Bill Text: HI SCR170 | 2015 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Hope's Law; Animal Cruelty; Animal Identification and Microchips

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-03-23 - Referred to JDL. [SCR170 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2015-SCR170-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	170
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

STRONGLY URGING support for the strengthening of laws prohibiting animal cruelty.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the humane treatment of animals is a reflection of society; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State has an interest in protecting the welfare of dogs and cats from cruelty and exploitation, as well as protecting Hawaii's consumers from less-than-reputable pet dealers; and

 

     WHEREAS, each legislative session, citizens come forward to seek the introduction of legislation prohibiting acts of cruelty and neglect toward animals to address situations that have arisen in their communities; and

 

     WHEREAS, the growing concerns signify the need for stronger laws against animal abuse; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Legislature has offered solutions through the introduction of legislation proposing stronger protections against animal cruelty as well as increased penalties for violators of animal cruelty laws; and

 

     WHEREAS, one example of such legislation is S.B. No. 1301 ("Hope's Law"), introduced during the Regular Session of 2015, which:

 

     (1)  Requires dog license holders to notify the Director of Finance of transfer of the dog or be held liable following the transfer for any acts of animal cruelty;

 

     (2)  Requires dog license holders to provide the Director of Finance with the dog's microchip identification; and

 

     (3)  Deems depriving a dog of necessary sustenance as cruelty to animals in the second degree; and

 

     WHEREAS, despite the enactment of several animal cruelty offenses, local humane societies, law enforcement agencies, and animal protection groups continue to receive alarming reports of acts of cruelty to animals; and

 

     WHEREAS, the introduction of legislation prohibiting and penalizing particularly alarming acts of animal cruelty is intended to curb animal abuse and cruelty; and

 

     WHEREAS, one example of such legislation is S.B. No. 773, introduced during the Regular Session of 2015, which:

 

     (1)  Prohibits the slaughtering or trafficking of dogs or cats or possessing of dog or cat products for human consumption; and

 

     (2)  Amends the relevant portion of the definition of "pet animal" as used in chapter 711, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to mean any dog or cat, regardless of whether the dog or cat was bred for consumption; and

 

     WHEREAS, the absence of comprehensive laws prohibiting animal cruelty complicates the process of finding and holding an individual responsible in cases of abuse toward animals; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2015, the House of Representatives concurring, that this body is urged to strongly support the strengthening of laws prohibiting animal cruelty; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, President

of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Director of Health, and Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Hope's Law; Animal Cruelty; Animal Identification and Microchips