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House stalls, then circles animal-cruelty substitute after lengthy debate over 'feral' definition and lethal-force limits
Summary
Lawmakers substituted language in HB 210 to allow humane killing of feral animals under limited conditions in unincorporated county areas, but extensive floor debate about definitions, urban impacts and safety led the House to 'circle' the bill for further work.
First substitute House Bill 210, described by its sponsor as an update to animal-cruelty law addressing feral animals and rural enforcement gaps, drew extended floor debate Feb. 25. The sponsor said the substitute restores a definition of “feral” and allows, in limited circumstances, the humane shooting of a feral animal in an unincorporated county area when a person has a "reasonable belief" the animal is feral and is threatening people, property or livestock.
Representative Oda (bill sponsor) told colleagues the bill is not intended to permit cruelty; existing torture and abuse penalties remain. He said the substitute narrows…
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