This bill, HB 616-FN, amends existing animal welfare laws to enhance the procedures for confiscating animals suspected of abuse. Key changes include stipulating that animals can only be confiscated if the owner is charged with cruelty or if the animals are in imminent danger. It mandates that for livestock confiscations, the investigating officer must be accompanied by a licensed veterinarian to establish probable cause. The bill also emphasizes that no animal shall be taken without charges against the owner, except in life-threatening situations. Additionally, it prohibits the spaying or neutering of confiscated animals without consent or a veterinarian's determination of necessity, and it requires clear communication of rights to the accused regarding veterinary examinations.

Moreover, the bill establishes a committee to review and update animal cruelty statutes, ensuring they remain relevant to current practices. This committee will consist of members from both the House and Senate and is required to report its findings by November 1, 2025. The bill also includes provisions for the reimbursement of care for seized livestock, contingent upon proof of proper seizure procedures. Financially, the bill is projected to incur an annual cost of $80,000 for personnel and travel expenses related to enforcement, with no funding allocated for these costs. The majority of the bill's provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 644:8, 436:8
As Amended by the House: 644:8, 436:8, 437-B:1