Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1475

Introduced
6/21/23  

Caption

In cruelty to animals, further providing for definitions and providing for the offense of the use of live pigeons for targets at trap shoot or block shoot.

Impact

If passed, HB 1475 would amend existing laws surrounding animal cruelty, specifically prohibiting the use of live birds for target practice. This legislation would further align state laws with evolving public sentiments regarding animal welfare, which increasingly view it as unacceptable to use animals for entertainment. The bipartisan support for this bill suggests a legislative trend toward enhancing protections for animals across various aspects of state law, which could serve as a model for future reforms in animal rights legislation.

Summary

House Bill 1475 aims to strengthen the definitions related to cruelty to animals, specifically addressing the use of live pigeons as targets in trap shooting or block shooting events. The bill underscores the ethical concerns regarding the treatment of animals in recreational activities and seeks to increase penalties for those who exploit live animals in such contexts. This proposed change in legislation reflects a growing societal recognition of animal rights and the need for stricter regulations to protect living creatures from inhumane practices.

Sentiment

Public opinion surrounding HB 1475 appears to be largely supportive, especially among animal rights advocates and welfare organizations. Proponents of the bill advocate that such practices are outdated and cruel, emphasizing the need to modernize laws to reflect contemporary values surrounding animal treatment. However, a minority of hunters and certain sporting groups may oppose the measure, arguing from a traditional perspective that hunting practices involving live pigeons are legitimate and integral to the sporting community, which creates a dichotomy of views.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential implications for hunting practices and related recreational activities. Some opponents may argue that restrictions imposed by HB 1475 could infringe upon their rights to engage in traditional sports. The debate may evoke broader discussions on the balance between animal rights and sporting traditions, with advocates needing to address concerns from those who fear further regulation could encroach on established pastimes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2139

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of use of live pigeons for target.

PA HB1097

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of use of live pigeons for target.

PA SB1178

In cruelty to animals, further providing for animal mutilation and related offenses.

PA SB357

In inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license and relating to carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for license not required, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for cooperation after lawfully killing big game; and, in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles.

PA SB846

In cruelty to animals, further providing for animal mutilation and related offenses; and imposing penalties.

PA SB357

In inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license and to carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for license not required, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for cooperation after lawfully killing big game; in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles; and making editorial changes.

PA HB851

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission, providing for prohibition and further providing for accountability; in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA SB44

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for the offense of trafficking in individuals and for the offense of patronizing a victim of sexual servitude; in minors, further providing for unlawful contact with minor; and, in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for definitions and for persons eligible to apply.

PA HB1114

In offenses against public order and decency, further providing for the offense of transporting animals in cruel manner.

PA HB1112

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of cruelty to animal.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.