This bill establishes a new criminal offense of cruelty to animals, specifically addressing the intentional injury or disability of predatory animals using vehicles. It introduces a new subsection under W.S. 6-3-1002, which mandates that individuals who inflict such injuries must make all reasonable efforts to kill the injured or disabled animal immediately. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a charge of cruelty to animals. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum fine for a first misdemeanor offense of cruelty to animals from $750 to $1,000.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes game and fish law enforcement personnel to enforce the provisions related to cruelty to animals, as specified in a new subsection added to W.S. 6-3-1010. The act will apply to any person who intentionally injures or disables a predatory animal using specified vehicles starting July 1, 2025, and it will take effect on the same date.

Statutes affected:
25LSO-0140 v0.7: 6-3-1002, 6-3-1004, 6-3-1010