House Bill No. 492, introduced by Representative Ventrella, seeks to amend and reenact various provisions of Louisiana's animal cruelty laws, specifically R.S. 14:102.1. The bill clarifies the definitions and penalties associated with simple and aggravated cruelty to animals. Notably, it redefines "simple cruelty to animals" to include actions such as tormenting, cruelly beating, or unjustifiably injuring any living animal without the requirement that the animal belongs to the offender. Additionally, the bill modifies the language to replace "drink" with "water" and removes references to injuring animals belonging to others and mistreatment causing unnecessary suffering. The term "defendant" is also replaced with "offender" throughout the law.

For aggravated cruelty, the bill retains the existing definitions but removes the requirement that the animal must belong to the offender for acts of torture, maiming, or mutilation. It introduces a new provision that defines aggravated cruelty as failing to provide proper care for an animal in one's custody, leading to its death. The bill also repeals certain subsections that were deemed unnecessary. Overall, the proposed changes aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding animal cruelty in Louisiana, ensuring more comprehensive protection for animals and clearer penalties for offenders.

Statutes affected:
HB492 Original: 14:1(A)(1)