This bill amends existing animal cruelty laws to establish specific procedures for the confiscation and care of livestock involved in cruelty cases. It introduces new legal language that allows law enforcement to confiscate livestock only when a person is charged with cruelty, or if there is probable cause that the livestock's life is in imminent danger. The bill mandates that an investigating officer must be accompanied by a state veterinarian or designee during such assessments. Additionally, it outlines a framework for the care and custody of confiscated livestock, including the right for the accused to request a veterinary examination and the prioritization of court hearings. It also ensures that ownership claims can be made by individuals with proof of ownership and prohibits the permanent alteration of livestock pending court decisions.

Key changes include the insertion of language that protects veterinarians and their designees from civil or criminal liability for their decisions during investigations, as well as clarifying the state veterinarian's role in enforcing animal cruelty laws. The bill repeals a previous provision related to livestock confiscation and allows law enforcement to take livestock into temporary protective custody without a court order if there is probable cause of imminent danger. Officers are required to leave written notice at the seizure location, and if the livestock is not claimed within 14 days, custody transfers to the officer's department for humane disposal. 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
HB1766 text: 644:8, 436:8