The latest bill reflects many of the elements contained in the original PAWS Act (Senate Bill 1914), which Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and the Senate Republican Caucus filed in October of 2013 with the support of 75 legislative co-sponsors. Passage of this animal protection bill has been one of Senator Tarr’s top priorities for the 2013-2014 legislative session.
Like the
original PAWS Act, Senate Bill 2345 provides for increased fines and jail time
for individuals who maim, injure or kill an animal, and carries additional
penalties for repeat offenders. It also
requires veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal cruelty, while
creating a special taskforce of experts in law enforcement, animal protection,
veterinary, legal professionals, and industry professionals to review methods
to prevent animal abuse and punish those who commit these crimes.
If the House
and Senate enact the bill on Thursday, Senate Bill 2345 could be on the
Governor’s desk before the end of the week.
