The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes related to animal cruelty by increasing the penalties for certain offenses. Specifically, it would elevate the classification of intentionally or knowingly killing or seriously harming a working or service animal from a class 6 felony to a class 5 felony. Additionally, the bill would introduce new provisions that allow for justification defenses in animal cruelty cases and would make individuals liable for costs associated with the training and replacement of injured or killed working or service animals.

Furthermore, the bill would revise the current language of the statutes by deleting outdated terms and adding new definitions and provisions. For example, it would remove references to "killing or harming" a working or service animal and replace them with more specific language regarding serious harm. The bill also clarifies the liability of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses and outlines the process for restoring the right to possess an animal after a conviction. Overall, these changes aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding animal protection and enhance penalties for offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2910
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-2910, 13-2910.11, 13-417, 17-101
House Engrossed Version: 13-2910, 13-2910.11, 17-101
Chaptered Version: 13-2910, 13-2910.11, 17-101