This bill amends the animal cruelty statute by introducing a specific definition of "torture" in relation to animal abuse cases. The new legal language inserted into RSA 644:8 defines "torture" as any negligent or purposeful act or omission that results in intensive or prolonged pain or suffering, serious physical injury, or death of an animal. This definition is added as a new paragraph (II-b) following the existing paragraph II-a, thereby clarifying the legal understanding of torture within the context of animal cruelty.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments, particularly concerning the judicial and correctional systems. While there are no anticipated changes in revenue, the bill may influence expenditures related to prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs due to the modification of criminal penalties associated with animal abuse.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 644:8