Health, Wellness and Fitness for People & Pets JUNE 2015 | Page 59

New York A1596 and S2936 would expand the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals to
include harm to animals during the commission of a felony. The bills are in the Agriculture
Committee.
Oregon HB 3468 and HB 2844 would add threats to cause physical injury to an animal as a
means to induce another person to commit unwanted acts to the definition of coercion, a Class
C felony. The bill is in the Judiciary Committee.
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Examination Board has proposed Rule No. 875-030-1101 which
would provide for a screening of applicants and licensees to determine if they have a history of
criminal behavior that would preclude their fitness to practice as a veterinarian or certified veterinary
technician.

Interventions for Animal Abuse Offenders

New Jersey S2449, “Shyanne’s Law,” would require convicted adult animal abusers to receive
mental health evaluations. Currently, only juvenile offenders receive mental health screenings.
The bill is in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
New York A1445 and S1174 would increase penalties for animal fighting and aggravated cruelty
to animals and would require a psychiatric evaluation for defendants convicted of aggravated
cruelty. A1673 and S814 would require that juvenile offenders convicted of animal cruelty undergo
psychiatric evaluation and treatment where necessary. The bills are in the Agriculture Committee.

Cross Reporting

New York A5082 would require anyone mandated to report suspected child abuse who also
encounters suspected animal abuse in the course of their duties to make an immediate report
to local police or SPCA agencies. Failure to report would be a Class A misdemeanor and civilly liable. An
extensive list of medical, social work, therapy, education, camp, day care, counseling and law
enforcement professionals are mandated reporters of child abuse. The bill is in the Social Services
Committee.
Oregon HB 2694 would allow Department of Human Services regulated social workers to report
suspected animal abuse or neglect, with immunity for good-faith reporting. The bill is in the
Human Services & Housing Committee.
Rhode Island HR 5194 would initiate a mandatory child abuse/domestic violence and animal
abuse cross-reporting system. The bill is in the House Judiciary Committee.

Animal Hoarding

Arizona HB 2429 and SB 1265 would make it illegal to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly
hoard animals. The bills would also allow courts to require offenders to undergo psychiatric
evaluation and counseling. HB 2429 passed the House and was referred to the Senate
Government and Rules Committees. SB 1265 is in the Senate Judiciary, Natural Resources and Rules
Committees.
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