This bill amends Florida Statutes related to animal cruelty offenses by revising definitions and establishing new criminal punishment scoring. Specifically, it introduces the term "domestic animal" and clarifies the definitions of "animal" and "cruelty." The bill 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 classified as captive wildlife. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "owner" to include corporations and their agents regarding animals in their custody.

Furthermore, the bill updates the Criminal Punishment Code to include a new scoring category for "animal cruelty toward a domestic animal," which allows for a multiplier of 1.25 on the subtotal sentence points if the primary offense is a crime of animal cruelty against a domestic animal. This provision aims to enhance penalties for such offenses while ensuring that the law does not apply to animals used for agricultural purposes or captive wildlife. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 502 Filed: 828.02, 921.0024