ALABAMA HB 51 Animals, abuse, torture and cruelty defined, reporting requirements, penalties (Animal Abuser Reporting)
Introduced by Williams, J. 02/05/2013 Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Agriculture and Forestry Very long bill preamble finds that "the link" between animal abuse and abusive behavior to people is documented by the FBI, psychiatric associations, studies. HB 51 finds the legislature must establish an animal abuser registry. Reporting of "suspected" animal abuse is mandatory for all health professionals, peace officers, law enforcement, veterinarians, and clergy. Failure to report is punishable by by a fine of not less than $1,000. UPDATE 2/22/18. SUBSTITUTE OFFERED AND PASSED BY AG COMMITTEE. Substitute addresses only reporting of suspected abuse to proper authorities; protection for reporting persons from civil or criminal liability. SESSION ADJOURNED 5/20.

ARIZONA. SB 1161 Introduced by Senators Farley, Tovar: Melvin, Reagan; Representatives Kavanagh, Lovas, Orr SB 1161 Establishes an animal abuser registry for anyone over 18 convicted of animal cruelty, animal fighting, presence at animal fight, equine tripping. First conviction registration is one year; subsequent convictions require registration for life. The Animal Abuser Registration Fund is established in the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of offsetting the cost of the registry. Any public or private source donations may be accepted by the fund. Assigned to Judiciary 1/24/2013 SESSION ADJOURNED 5/3.

ARKANSAS. Exciting bills introduced to protect animal owners and livestock/poultry operations. Introduced 1/14/13 by Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R, 33)
SB 13 Providing protection to animal owners and their animals
Amended, passed, signed by Governor 4/12/2013. Bill text: An owner of an animal that has been seized under this subchapter shall be responsible only for reasonable expenses that were incurred for the care of the animal while the animal was in the appropriate place of custody.

ARKANSAS. SB 14 Creating the offense of interference with a livestock or poultry operation
Both bills have been amended and re-referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary. Lead sponsor: G. Stubblefield (R, 6). Died upon adjournment 5/17/13.

COLORADO. HB 1125 This bill prohibits the impoundment of livestock unless a licensed veterinarian determines in writing based on an inspection of the livestock that the impoundment is necessary to preserve the life of the animal. Introduced by Rep. Jerry Sonnenburg (R-65). Assigned to Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources. UPDATE 2/19/13. FINAL COMMITTEE VOTE - Postpone House Bill 13-1125 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 8-5. SESSION ADJOURNED 5/8.

CONNECTICUT. HB 5024 A bill to permit local or regional boards of education to offer humane education courses and use curriculums developed by the Humane Society, ASPCA or other animal welfare organizations. Introduced by: Rep. Brenda L. Kupchick, 132nd Dist. Referred to Joint Committee on Education 1/9/2013. Died in Committee

CONNECTICUT. HB 5205 Establish a registry for convicted animal abusers. Introduced by: Rep. Christopher Davis, 57th Dist. Referred to Joint Committee on Environment.
Cosponsors added: Rep. Themis Klarides, 114th Dist.; Rep. Emmett D. Riley, 46th Dist. Died in Committee

CONNECTICUT. HB 6088 A bill requiring all dog breeders be licensed by the state and not locally Introduced by: Reps. Auden Grogins, 129th Dist. and Brenda L. Kupchick, 132nd Dist. Referred to Joint Committee on Environment 1/25/2013.

CONNECTICUT. SB 546 A bill to enact restrictions on tethering and chaining to protect dogs from abuse Introduced by Sen. Antonietta "Toni" Boucher, 26th Dist. . Referred to Joint Committee on Environment 1/24/2013.

HAWAII. Animals-Dogs Tethering. Introducers: CHUN OAKLAND, Baker, Kidani, Shimabukuro, L. Thielen. Referred to JDL/PSM (Judiciary/Labor, Public Safety), WAM (Ways and Means).

HAWAII. HB 408 Animal Abuser Registry. Creates registry of felony animal abusers and authorizes public access to the registry. Establishes the violation of registration requirements as a class C felony. Effective 1/1/2014. Introducer: BELATTI. Referred to JUD, FIN . See also SB 277
UPDATE 2/12/2013. The committee(s) on JUD recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.

HAWAII. HB 1121 Sale of Dogs and Cats; Public Place Prohibits the sale of dogs and cats in any public place, except for humane groups facilitating adoptions. Establishes penalties. Effective 01/01/2014. Introducers MCKELVEY, Belatti, Wooley. Referred to JUDICIARY. See also Companion bill SB7

ILLINOIS. Animals-Dogs Tethering. Introduced 1/8/13 by Rep. Daniel Burke (D-1). Added Chief Co-Sponsors Rep. Kathleen Willis and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia
Adds specific requirements for tethering, such as 10-foot tether length and properly fitting harness or collar. An unnecessary requirement to limit tethering to 15 minutes between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. has been removed by Amendment. Passed House 4/15. Third reading in Senate 5/8/13. Amended bill sent to House; Senate amendment concurred by House for adoption 5/21/13.

INDIANA. HB 1562 Agricultural Crimes . Authors: Lehe, Baird, Morrison. Enhances the crimes of theft, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, burglary, and criminal conversion if the crime committed concerns: (1) agricultural operations; or (2) livestock. Makes it unlawful recording of agricultural operations, a Class A misdemeanor. First reading 1/22/13: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code. Stalled in committee. Legislature adjourned with no action

INDIANA. SB 391 Crimes concerning agriculture and livestock. Author: Yoder. Enhances the crimes of theft, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, burglary, and criminal conversion if the crime committed concerns: (1) agricultural operations; or (2) livestock. Makes it unlawful recording of agricultural operations, a Class A misdemeanor. First reading: referred to Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - 01/10/2013. Stalled in committee. Legislature adjourned with no action

INDIANA. SB 598 Animal rescue operations. Author: Waterman. Provides that standards of care and certain other requirements applicable to commercial dog breeders and brokers also apply to private animal rescue operations. Requires registration of private animal rescue operations with the board of animal health and payment of an annual registration fee of $75. First reading: referred to Committee on Commerce and Economic Development & Technology - 01/15/2013. Legislature adjourned with no action

MAINE. LD 1289 (HP 916) Animal Abuser Registry. Sponsor Representative Elizabeth Dickerson. 4/5/2013 referred to Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety

MICHIGAN. House Bill 4535 Animal Abuse Offenders Registry
Sponsor Rep. Harvey Santana (D-Detroit); cosponsor Paul Muxlow (R-83). Introduced 4/10/13. Persons 18 years or older convicted of animal cruelty to be registered in database and to remain in database for 4 years. Annual registration fee of $250. Failure to register is a crime punishable by up to 1 year in prison and fines. Database information to be maintained by State Police and made available to the public. Shelters, humane societies or pounds that sell to a person registered in the database are subject to fines and imprisonment. Referred to Judiciary

MICHIGAN. SB 117 Puppy Protection Act
Sponsors Rick Jones - (primary)Steven Bieda, Tory Rocca, Tonya Schuitmaker, Glenn Anderson, John Proos, Michael Kowall, John Pappageorge, James Marleau. Establishes regulations for commercial kennels defined as a kennel where more than 15 female intact dogs are housed for the purpose of breeding; caps ownership at 50. Places limit of 1 litter in any 12-month period. 1/30/2013 Assigned to Senate Agriculture

MICHIGAN. SB 118 Puppy Protection Act
Sponsors Steven Bieda - (primary) Rick Jones, Tonya Schuitmaker, Glenn Anderson, John Proos, Michael Kowall, John Pappageorge, James Marleau. Tied bill to SB 0117 that establishes $500 site inspection fee for commercial kennels. 1/30/2013 Assigned to Senate Agriculture

MINNESOTA. SF 36 Dog and cat breeders standards of care Assigned to the Senate Jobs, Agriculture, and Rural Development Committee. Establish licensing and care standards for breeders who own ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five total litters of puppies per year.

MINNESOTA. HF 84 Dog and cat breeder licensing and inspection
Assigned to Civil Law Committee. Establish licensing and care standards for breeders who own ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five total litters of puppies per year. Broadly defines hobby breeder and requires them to register with the state. Penalties: a single correction order may assess a maximum administrative penalty of $5,000. UPDATE 2/14/13: PASSED committee Feb. 14 by voice vote 66-61; referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy.
UPDATE 2/25/13. PASSED Public Safety Committee and referred to Government Operations
UPDATE 3/6/13. Re-referred to Agriculture Policy

MONTANA. HB 439 Commercial Dog Breeders
Sponsor Margaret (Margie) MacDonald (D, 54).
Defines commercial breeders as anyone with 11 intact females for the purpose of breeding dogs for sale or for exchange in return for consideration. Definition includes individuals and businesses. Intact female includes those 9 months or older. No exemptions. Standards for facilities, care, health standards, and breeding will be written at a later date. AVMA Model Standards to be considered in developing rules. State certification after inspection; certificate must be displayed on premises. Facilities classified by numbers of dogs and fees set accordingly. Establishes commercial pet protection state special revenue account. License holders to be displayed in an online database. 1/30/2013 Assigned to House Agriculture COMMITTEE HEARING SCHEDULED 2/21/13 at 3:00 PM. UPDATE 3/12/13 BILL TABLED IN COMMITTEE

NEW YORK. A00239 Animal Cruelty and Animal Fighting Database Sponsor Linda Rosenthal (D, 67). Introduced 1/9/13 and referred to Agriculture. UPDATE 5/7/13. Referred to codes.

NEW YORK. A02905 Animal Abuser Registry Sponsor McDonough (MS); Raia, Curran. Establishes a registry to be maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Introduced 1/23/13 and referred to Agriculture.

NEVADA. Prohibit Hunting of Black Bears Introduced 1/31/13. After failing to ban hunting bear with dogs, anti-hunting groups in the state are working to ban all bear hunting. The Nevada Department of Wildlife established a modest hunting season in 2011 after studies showed the bear population was sustainable. Amended in Senate Natural Resources. Bill urges the Wildlife Commission to thoroughly and scientifically review the hunting of black bears. Passed House 32Y-7N referred to Senate 5/21/13.

OREGON. HB 2394 Animal Abuser Registry Introduced 1/14/13. Chief Sponsor Brad Witt (D-Clatskanie); sponsors: Representatives Boone, Buckley, Doherty, Frederick, Garrett, Keny-Guyer. Department of State Police to establish and maintain a database of persons convicted of an animal crime. No age limits set. Annual registration fee. Failure to register is punishable by a maximum of 5 years imprisonment or $125,000 or both. Referred to Judiciary with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.

PENNSYLVANIA. HB 41. Cruelty to Animals - Dog Tethering. Prime sponsor Mario M. Scavello (R-176). Referred to JUDICIARY Jan. 8, 2013.

PENNSYLVANIA. HB 164. Cruelty to Animals - Possession of animal fighting paraphernalia Multiple Sponsors. Referred to JUDICIARY Jan. 17, 2013. Misdemeanor in the 3rd degree for possession of animal fighting paraphernalia (not defined).

PENNSYLVANIA. HB 82. Animal Seizure and Forfeiture See AKC Alert. The Pennsylvania House is expected to consider House Bill 82 - a bill that would be detrimental to the rights of animal owners. This bill, which is identical to a bill introduced in the General Assembly in 2012, could force owners to relinquish their animals when they are accused of cruelty, regardless of whether the charges are ultimately dismissed. UPDATE 1/23/13 HB 82 passed House by a vote of 163 to 34 and has been sent 1/25/13 to Senate Judiciary.

PENNSYLVANIA. SB 82. Amendments to Puppy Lemon Law. Introduced by Senator Greenleaf (R-Bucks/Montgomery Counties). Extends time limits for purchaser to take certain actions against seller; adds additional definition of "unfit for purchase" Referred to Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jan. 9, 2013. Reported favorably out of Committee
Third consideration and final passage March 12, 2013 (Vote 49-0). Referred to House Agriculture and Rural Affairs March 14.

PENNSYLVANIA. SB 320 Animal Abuse Registry and Fund. Sponsor Sen. Farnese (D, 1). Introduced and Referred to JUDICIARY Jan. 25, 2013 [Senate]
Cosponsors: STACK, ERICKSON, RAFFERTY, HUGHES, TEPLITZ, BREWSTER, BOSCOLA, SOLOBAY, COSTA, WARD, SMITH and WILEY
Establishes an animal abuser registry for an individual (age not defined) who is convicted of animal cruelty or an attempt to commit animal cruelty. Information will be kept on the registry for ten years. Any individual with two or more convictions set forth under the registration requirements are subject to lifetime registration. Failure to register is a felony of the third degree. $50 registry fee. Bill establishes a registry fund to cover the administration of the registry by county sheriffs and the Pennsylvania State Police.

RHODE ISLAND. Breed Specific Legislation. H 5247 and S 178 would place onerous and unfair requirements on all "pit bulls" in the state. The bills define pit bulls as any dog that substantially conforms to the American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier standards. Dogs meeting the definition of “pit bull” must be kept securely confined indoors, in a locked pen, or muzzled. UPDATE: 04/10/2013 Committee recommended H 5247 be held for further study. S 178 was withdrawn sponsor's request.

SOUTH CAROLINA. H. 3045 Animal Abuser Registration and Community Notification. A person over eighteen years of age who has been convicted of a felony violation of animal cruelty must register with the county sheriff for inclusion in an animal abuser registry database and register annually for 15 years. Failure to register is a felony punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 5 years. 1/8/13 Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

TEXAS. HB 3747. Animal Abuser Registry. Introduced by Representative Jessica Farrar (D, Houston) and referred 3/25/13 to Criminal Jurisprudence
Establishes a registry for anyone 17 years and older who has committed an animal cruelty offense. Annual registration; 90 day registration for those deemed "high risk"; 30 day registration for "homeless". Must track whether registrant plans to attend an institution of higher learning and notify these institutions. Failure to register/comply is a Class C misdemeanor. Database to be established and maintained by the Dept of Public Safety. The Dept may implement the registration system ONLY if sufficient funds are available; however, they may solicit and receive donations from any source. UPDATE: Hearing held 4/29/13. Bill left pending in committee.

VERMONT. S. 9 Animal Abuser Registry. Introduced by Sen. Tim Ashe (Progressive/Dem, Chittenden). Session Adjourned May 17

VIRGINIA. House Joint Resolution No. 626 Designating January 23, in 2013 and in each succeeding year, as Companion Animal Protection Day in Virginia. Resolution extols the virtues and tireless efforts of HSUS and ASPCA for the welfare of animals. Introduced by Delegate Kaye Kory (D-38). 01/15/13 House: Tabled in Rules by voice vote

VIRGINIA.Animal Abuser Registry, Penalties HB 2242. Introduced by Delegate Lacey Putney (I-19). Establishes a data base for anyone 18 and older convicted of felony animal cruelty and to register annually for 15 years. Public registry and notifications to be maintained by state Attorney General's office. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources 01/28/13 House: Subcommittee recommends laying on the table by voice vote

VIRGINIA.SB 1280 Fox and coyote enclosures Introduced by David Marsden (D-37). Makes it unlawful for any person (i) to erect or maintain an enclosure for the purpose of pursuing, hunting, or killing or attempting to pursue, hunt, or kill a fox or coyote with dogs or (ii) to pursue, hunt, or kill or attempt to pursue, hunt, or kill a fox or coyote within such an enclosure with dogs. Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
UPDATE 2/5/13: Senate substitute passes 24-Y 16-N
UPDATE 2/11/13: SB 1280 assigned to House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (ACNR) subcommittee Natural Resources. Hearing scheduled Tuesday, February 12.
UPDATE 2/12/13 BILL SET ASIDE INDEFINITELY.

WASHINGTON. HB 1786 Animal Abuser Registry. Sponsors: Representatives Stanford, Moscoso, Fitzgibbon, Lytton, Ryu. The registry to be maintained by the attorney general and made available for public inquiry on the internet. Introduced 02/08/13 and referred to Judiciary

WEST VIRGINIA.Control of Potentially Dangerous Wild Animals HB 2209. Introduced by Delegate Manypenny (D-Taylor). Control of Potentially Dangerous Wild Animals. Establishes a list of potentially dangerous animals including reptiles, large cats, wolves, and other mammals. Prohibits ownership, possession, custody, control, and breeding of the specified animals. Referred to House Natural Resources
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WEST VIRGINIA. Regulations for Commercial Dog Breeding Operations HB 2838. Introduced by Delegate Fragale (D-Harrison). Establishes licensing and regulation for breeders, defined as one who owns 11 intact dogs over the age of one year and breeds dogs exclusively as household pets. Referred to House Agriculture Committee
Same as HB 2838 Regulating commercial dog-breeding operations. Committee Substitute exempted dogs use for the purpose of herding or guarding livestock or farm animals, hunting, tracking or exhibiting in dog shows, performance events or field and obedience trials. Approved by Governor 5/3/13.

WEST VIRGINIA. S 468 Animal Abuser Registry. Sponsors: John Unger (D, 16); William Laird (D, 10); Ron Stollings (D - Boone, 07); Herb Snyder (D - Jefferson, 16); Rocky Fitzsimmons (D - Ohio, 01); and Senate President Jeffrey Kessler (D, 02). West Virginia State Police to establish and maintain a central computerized registry of all persons convicted of an animal abuse crime. The State Police will be required to make information contained in the Registry available to the public through the Internet, by telephone, by written access and in person. Breeders, shelters, and pet stores must check the registry before selling any animal; failure to do so punishable by $1,000 fine for 1st offense and $10,000 fine for second offense. Referred to Judiciary 3/16/2013.

Archive - previous tracking sheets

2012 brought a number of animal abuser registry bills. Perhaps the most notable legislation was the HSUS engineered ban on bear and bobcat hunting with hounds in California. Lawmakers also passed a ban on exotic animal ownership in Ohio.2012 legislation tracking spreadsheet

2011 was filled with a diversity of legislation and included a large number of very dangerous bills to establish Animal Abuser Registries. ALL animal abuser registry bills were defeated. View spreadsheet in PDF format.

2010 legislation included numerous bills to restrict tethering; increase penalties for animal cruelty to felonies; and of course regulate dog breeding under so called "puppy mill" bills. View spreadsheet in PDF format.

2009 legislation included commercial breeder bills and confinement bills similar to California's Prop2.
View spreadsheet in PDF format

Related Links

The Monthly National Legislation Report is published once a month listing available reports of dog and animal legislation in all States.
The Monthly National Legislation Report