A bill that seeks to criminalize cruelty to animals got the nod of the House of Representatives, which passed the legislative measure yesterday.<\/p>\n
If House Bill 14-29, also known as the Animal Protection Act of 2004, becomes law as passed, it will provide a maximum jail term of five years to violators. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.<\/p>\n
The bill seeks to amend the Commonwealth Code to include new provisions penalizing animal cruelty.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny person who intentionally inflicts severe or prolonged pain or suffering on an animal, or who recklessly neglects an animal and as a result of that neglect, causes its death or causes severe pain or suffering to the animal, is guilty of a misdemeanor,\u201d it states.<\/p>\n
Offenders face a prison term of not more than one year, or a maximum fine of $500, or both.<\/p>\n
The bill seeks to impose stricter penalties for those who intentionally injure or kill any animal while it is in the performance of its duties under the supervision of a law enforcement officer.<\/p>\n
Such an offense would be classified as a felony, which would entail a maximum prison term of five years, fine ranging from $500 to $5,000, or both.<\/p>\n
House minority leader Heinz Hofschneider introduced the bill earlier this year. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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