AB 243 Nava - Animal Abuse: Penalties

Current Legislative Status »

Existing law provides that upon the conviction of a person charged with animal abuse, as specified, the court is authorized to enjoin the defendant from owning, possessing, caring for, or having any contact with, animals, as specified. This bill would instead provide that upon the conviction of a person charged with animal abuse, as specified, the court shall be required to enter an order enjoining the person from owning, possessing, maintaining, having custody of, residing with, or caring for any animal for specified periods of time. The bill would further provide that any violation of an order shall be treated and punished as a criminal contempt of court or as a misdemeanor. By revising the penalties for an existing crime and by increasing the duties of local humane officers, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

PetPAC position: Opposed. This bill increases an animal cruelty court order as a contempt of court.