RDCSB435 427 4808
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 435 Reengrossed 2016 Regular Session Morrell
Proposed law provides that theft of animals is the misappropriation, killing, or taking of any
animal which belongs to another, either without consent of the other to the misappropriation
or taking, or by means of fraudulent conduct, practices, or representations. An intent to
deprive the other permanently of the animal or an intent to ransom it for the purpose of
extorting money or favor is essential.
Proposed law provides for a penalty of imprisonment for not more than six months or a fine
of not more than $500, or both.
Proposed law provides that if the offender in such a case has been convicted of misdemeanor
theft of an animal two or more times previously, upon any subsequent conviction he will be
imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than two years or may be fined not
more than $1,000, or both.
Proposed law provides that "animal" means any nonhuman living creature except for
livestock as defined in present law.
Present law provides that any person finding any dog not on the premises of its owner,
harborer, or possessor, which is harassing, wounding, or killing livestock, may kill the dog,
and the owner shall not be able to sustain any action for damages against the person killing
the dog.
Proposed law retains present law and adds an exception to proposed law to address killing
of dogs harassing, wounding, or killing livestock.
Effective August 1, 2016.
(Adds R.S. 14:67.30)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Replaces the several penalties based on the value of the animal with the
penalty of imprisonment of not more than six months or a fine of not more
than $500, or both.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of
Criminal Justice to the reengrossed bill:
1. Add an exception to proposed law for the killing of a dog harassing, wounding,
or killing livestock.
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