The bill amends Louisiana's animal cruelty laws, specifically R.S. 14:102.1, to enhance penalties and restrictions for individuals convicted of simple or aggravated cruelty to animals. It introduces provisions that allow courts to prohibit offenders from owning or keeping animals for specified periods—up to one year for simple cruelty and up to five years for repeat offenders. Additionally, the bill allows for the imposition of fines and imprisonment, as well as the requirement for offenders to cover expenses related to the housing and medical treatment of the affected animals.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing penalties by allowing the court to mandate psychological evaluations and treatment for offenders, with the potential for a ban on animal ownership for up to ten years. The language changes include replacing mandatory penalties with discretionary ones, giving courts more flexibility in determining the appropriate consequences for offenders. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding animal cruelty and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Statutes affected:
HB224 Original: 14:1(A)(2)
HB224 Engrossed: 14:1(A)(2)
HB224 Enrolled: 14:1(A)(2)
HB224 Act : 14:1(A)(2)