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House Bill 578 would expand animal‑cruelty definitions and speed seizure and forfeiture procedures for animals, including livestock in some cases
Summary
Legislative counsel briefed the committee on H.578, which broadens the criminal definition of animal cruelty (including conduct involving minors and possession of obscene images), preserves but clarifies livestock/poultry exceptions, and expedites seizure and forfeiture procedures while requiring owner notice and a 14‑day window to request a hearing or post security for care costs.
The committee heard an overview of House Bill 578 from Eric Fitzpatrick of the Office of Legislative Council. Fitzpatrick said the bill consolidates existing animal statutes, expands the definition of cruel conduct (including instances that involve minors and the possession of obscene images), and preserves the court's range of non‑criminal sanctions — such as forfeiture of animals, limits on future ownership, counseling and unannounced inspections — while clarifying how those sanctions apply to livestock and poultry.
Fitzpatrick explained that, under current law, courts may forfeit…
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