Bill H.578 seeks to strengthen Vermont's animal cruelty laws by expanding the definition of sexual conduct involving animals and imposing harsher penalties for offenders. The bill introduces new definitions that encompass actions such as touching or fondling an animal's sex organs and the intentional transfer of semen onto an animal. It also broadens the scope of aggravated animal cruelty to include offenses involving minors, resulting in increased penalties. Additionally, individuals convicted of animal cruelty will face a minimum five-year ban on owning or possessing animals.

The legislation establishes a framework for recovering costs related to the care of animals seized during cruelty investigations. Courts are required to impose mandatory sanctions, including forfeiture of rights to the animal and repayment of care costs, while allowing for civil forfeiture proceedings independent of criminal cases. The bill outlines the process for civil actions to recover care costs, mandates court hearings to assess the legality of seizures, and specifies that payment for animal care can be ordered without regard to the owner's financial situation. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-351, 13-352, 13-352a, 13-353, 13-354