This bill amends existing animal cruelty laws to establish specific procedures for the confiscation of livestock in cases of abuse or neglect. It allows law enforcement officers or municipal animal control officers to take livestock into temporary protective custody when there is probable cause to believe the animals are in imminent danger. The bill mandates that officers must leave written notice at the site of confiscation, detailing the livestock taken and the reasons for the action, and requires that the investigating officer be accompanied by a qualified veterinarian to assess the situation. New provisions also outline the process for returning confiscated livestock if no charges are filed within ten days, and they prioritize court cases involving these animals.

Key changes include the insertion of language that protects veterinarians and the state veterinarian from criminal or civil liability for their decisions during investigations. The bill also repeals previous provisions related to livestock confiscation and clarifies the state veterinarian's powers in enforcing animal cruelty laws. Additionally, it prohibits the spaying or neutering of confiscated livestock without proper consent and outlines the responsibilities for covering the costs of care for these animals. While the bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, it is expected to incur significant costs for the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food due to increased investigations and staffing needs. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 644:8, 436:8
As Amended by the House: 644:8, 436:8
As Amended by the Senate: 644:8, 436:8
HB1766 text: 644:8, 436:8