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)]
HB 224 Original 2024 Regular Session Kerner
Abstract: Prohibits the owning or keeping of an animal for certain periods of time after a
conviction for simple cruelty to animals or aggravated cruelty to animals.
Present law provides for the crime of simple cruelty to animals.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that whoever commits the crime of simple cruelty to animals shall be fined not
more than $100, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that the court shall also issue an order prohibiting the
defendant from owning or keeping animals for a period of one year.
Present law provides that whoever commits a second or subsequent offense of simple cruelty to
animals shall be fined not less than $5,000 nor more than $25,000 or be imprisoned, with or without
hard labor, for not less than one year nor more than 10 years, or both. Further provides that the court
shall issue an order prohibiting the defendant from owning or keeping animals for a period of time
deemed appropriate by the court.
Proposed law requires the court to prohibit the defendant from owning or keeping animals for a
period of five years for a second offense and 10 years for a subsequent offense, rather than for a
period of time deemed appropriate by the court.
Present law provides for the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that in addition to any other penalty imposed for a violation of present law, the
offender shall be ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and subsequently be recommended
psychological treatment and shall be banned by court order from owning or keeping animals for a
period of time deemed appropriate by the court.
Proposed law requires the court to prohibit the defendant from owning or keeping animals for a
period of 10 years and for the remainder of his life for a second offense, rather than for a period of
time deemed appropriate by the court. Proposed law provides that whoever violates a court order that prohibits ownership or keeping of
animals after the person has committed the offense of simple cruelty to animals shall be fined not
more than $1,000, imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
Proposed law provides that whoever violates a court order that prohibits the ownership or keeping
of animals after the person has committed the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals shall be fined
not more than $5,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(Amends R.S. 14:102.1(A)(2)(a) and (b) and (B)(5); Adds R.S.14:102.1(D))