Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB661

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/25
• Refer: 4/28/25

Caption

In budget and finance, establishing the Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund.

Impact

If passed, SB661 would amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create a sustainable financial mechanism for addressing animal cruelty. The fund would be continually appropriated to support various activities such as training, investigative materials, and assisting animal shelters. Additionally, through a $25 assessment on violations related to animal cruelty, the bill aims to ensure that financial resources are consistently available for these essential services.

Summary

Senate Bill 661 aims to establish the Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund within the Pennsylvania State Treasury. This fund is designed to support animal cruelty investigations and related initiatives, including providing training and resources for humane society police officers and funding salaries for attorneys who prosecute animal cruelty cases. The bill seeks to enhance the state's ability to respond to and address animal cruelty effectively through targeted financial support.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB661 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among animal welfare advocates and organizations that work in related fields. Proponents argue that this initiative is a step forward in improving animal protection and effectively addressing cruelty cases, which are seen as a significant concern in the state. However, there could be reservations regarding the added financial burdens imposed on violators of animal cruelty laws.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed positively, there may be concerns regarding its funding mechanism and the implications of imposing additional assessments on individuals found guilty of animal cruelty. Some stakeholders might argue that such financial penalties could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals or small animal-related businesses. The key contention points may revolve around the efficacy of the fund and its long-term sustainability.