This bill amends Florida Statutes related to animal cruelty offenses by revising definitions and introducing new legal language. Specifically, it defines "domestic animal" as any animal that lives and breeds in a tame condition, including pets like dogs, cats, and birds, while excluding animals used for agricultural purposes or permitted as captive wildlife. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "animal" and "cruelty," emphasizing that cruelty includes any act causing unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering, except in medical contexts. Additionally, it modifies the definition of "owner" to include corporations and their agents regarding animals in their custody.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new scoring system for criminal punishment related to animal cruelty offenses. It specifies that if an offender is convicted of animal cruelty towards a domestic animal, the subtotal sentence points will be multiplied by 1.25. This provision aims to enhance penalties for such offenses, reflecting the seriousness of animal cruelty. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 502 Filed: 828.02, 921.0024