The proposed bill would amend current animal cruelty statutes by broadening the conditions under which a person can be found guilty of cruelty to animals. Specifically, it would add a new provision that makes it a class 1 misdemeanor for a person to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly fail to provide medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to any domestic animal under their custody or control. This addition is marked as 17. INTENTIONALLY, KNOWINGLY OR RECKLESSLY FAILS TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ATTENTION NECESSARY TO PREVENT UNREASONABLE SUFFERING TO ANY DOMESTIC ANIMAL UNDER THE PERSON'S CUSTODY OR CONTROL. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "cruel neglect" to include specific requirements for the care of domestic animals, such as providing appropriate food and water, and adequate shelter. The new language specifies that "cruel neglect" includes failing to provide food that is appropriate for the species and fit for consumption, water suitable for drinking, and adequate shelter, with detailed conditions for dogs that primarily reside outdoors. The definition of "domestic animal" is also expanded to include birds, reptiles, and amphibians kept primarily as pets or companions. These changes are indicated by or to fail to provide a domestic animal with any of the following: and , bird, reptile or amphibian, respectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2910
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-2910