The bill amends existing laws regarding equine welfare in Arkansas by authorizing the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission to impose civil penalties for certain actions deemed as cruelty to animals, specifically against equines. A new section, 2-33-117, is added to the Arkansas Code, which states that individuals found guilty of cruelty to animals against an equine may face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing law concerning the failure to provide sufficient food and water to animals. It introduces a provision that allows for the use of a body condition score, conducted by a licensed veterinarian, to assess whether adequate food and water have been supplied to an equine. This change aims to provide a more objective measure in determining the welfare of equines under the offense of cruelty to animals.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB563 Original - 3-24-2025 10:49 AM: 5-62-103(a)
Old version SB563 V2 - 4-7-2025 12:26 PM: 5-62-103(a)
SB 563: 5-62-103(a)
Act 741: 5-62-103(a)