The bill amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to enhance the penalties related to the ownership of animals for individuals convicted of certain offenses. It mandates that upon conviction, the authority imposing the sentence must prohibit the defendant from owning, possessing, controlling, or caring for animals for a minimum of two years, replacing the previous discretionary language. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for defendants to attend and complete violence prevention counseling, with documentation of completion necessary for compliance.

The bill also establishes specific offenses related to non-compliance with the counseling requirement and continued possession of animals during the prohibition period. Violations of these provisions are graded based on the number of offenses, with increasing penalties for subsequent violations, including extensions of the prohibition period. A first violation of possessing animals while under prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor of the third degree, while second and third violations escalate to misdemeanors of the second and first degree, respectively, with corresponding longer prohibition periods. The act is set to take effect in 60 days.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 408 (Jan 31, 2025): 18-5555
Printer's No. 0408: 18-5555