Health, Wellness and Fitness for People & Pets JUNE 2015 | Page 58

Therapeutic Interventions for Child Abuse Victims

Connecticut HB6725 would cause the Dept. of Children & Families to develop and implement
training for employees and mental health care providers on animal-assisted therapy and
develop a protocol to use such programs to aid children and youth living with trauma and loss. The bill
has passed the House and Senate.
New Jersey A2155 would establish a three-year pilot program within DCF to provide animalassisted therapy to victims of childhood violence, trauma, or children with behavioral healthcare
needs. The bill is in the Assembly Women & Children Committee.

Animal Abuse in the Presence of a Child

New York A534 defines “aggravated” animal cruelty as causing extreme physical pain or done in
an especially depraved or sadistic manner, a Class E felony. It would make the commission of
aggravated cruelty in the presence of a child a Class D felony. The bill is in the Codes Committee.
New York A944 and S1795 would criminalize knowingly causing a minor to attend a place where
exhibition of animal fighting is being conducted. The bills are in the Agriculture Committee.

“CASA for Animals”

Connecticut HB 6187 would establish a process for appointing an advocate to investigate and
advocate for the welfare or custody of animals that are subjects of civil or criminal court
proceedings. The bill is in the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and was scheduled for a public hearing
on April 1.
Rhode Island H 5414 would require a court of competent jurisdiction to order the appointment
of an animal advocate where the custody or well-being of an animal is at issue. The House
Judiciary Committee recommended that the bill be held for further study.

Animal Abuse and Other Crimes

Arizona SB 1105 would define animal fighting and cockfighting as racketeering in the state’s
organized crime, fraud and terrorism statutes. The bill is in the Judiciary and Rules Committees.
Michigan HB 4353 would allow animal shelters to consider an individual’s criminal history when
determining whether or not to allow that individual to adopt an animal. Convicted animal
abusers could not adopt for at least 5 years following conviction. Senate Bill 219 would prohibit
offenders convicted of animal fighting or bestiality from owning animals other than livestock for 5 years.
The bills are in the Judiciary Committee.
New Jersey SB 736 and a newer version, AB 3596 would create a new crime of “leader of a d