RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 585 (SB 435) 2016 Regular Session Morrell
New 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.
New law provides for a penalty of imprisonment for not more than six months or a fine of
not more than $500, or both.
New 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.
New law provides that "animal" means any nonhuman living creature except for livestock
as defined in prior law.
Prior law provided 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.
New law retains these provisions adds an exception to address killing of dogs that are
harassing, wounding, or killing livestock.
Effective August 1, 2016.
(Adds R.S. 14:67.30)