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House passes bill to criminalize intentional harassment of livestock
Summary
Third substitute HB 217 makes it unlawful to intentionally or recklessly chase, harass or harm livestock with motorized vehicles, dogs or unmanned aircraft; sponsor cited local incidents and the bill passed unanimously on the floor.
The Utah House passed third substitute HB 217 on Feb. 27, a measure aimed at protecting livestock from intentional or reckless harassment with motorized vehicles, animals or unmanned aircraft.
Sponsor (floor remarks) described a local incident in which an individual used an ATV to chase calves, injuring a newborn whose front legs were broken, and said the bill is designed to criminalize tormenting conduct. The sponsor summarized the bill: "This prohibits a person from intentionally knowing or recklessly chasingly actively disturbing or harming livestock through the use of a motorized vehicle or... an unmanned aircraft." Colleagues questioned whether ordinary herding or shooing would be affected; the sponsor said the bill targets tormenting, not reasonable herding or removal of animals from campsites.
Members from rural districts voiced support, noting the potential for serious injury to animals and threats to ranching livelihoods. The sponsor said the bill drew suggestions from the attorney general's office and local cattlemen and had been revised to address concerns.
Third substitute HB 217 passed the House with a recorded vote of 71 yes, 0 no, and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Floor debate focused on defining prohibited conduct and ensuring exceptions for legitimate animal-handling; sponsors said the amended language reflects those concerns.
