Assembly Bill 61 proposes amendments to the penalties associated with injuring or killing animals used by law enforcement agencies or fire departments. Under current law, individuals who intentionally harm such animals face a Class I felony for causing injury and a Class H felony for causing death. The bill seeks to increase these penalties, changing the injury offense to a Class H felony and the death offense to a Class G felony.

The revised penalties would impose a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six years for a Class H felony, and a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to ten years for a Class G felony. Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement for courts to order restitution for veterinary care or the value of a replacement animal in cases of violation. The Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report due to the creation of a new crime or revision of existing penalties.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 951.18(2m), 951.18