Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed into law an act that criminalizes entering or remaining without consent of a person with authority to allow a person to enter or remain on the property of a location where animal products are sold, or where a “food animal” is produced, kept, or slaughtered. The first offense is an aggravated misdemeanor and subsequent offenses are a class D felony.
Iowa Establishes Crime of “Food Operation Trespass”
Michigan Considers Legislation to Amend Cruelty Law
Michigan House Bill 5809 proposes several changes to the state’s animal cruelty law, including requiring offenders to pay the costs associated with the care and treatment of seized animals.
PETA Files Suit Against Tri-State Zoological Park
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has filed suit against Tri-State Zoological Park, alleging that the roadside zoo’s neglect of animals violates federal and state law and constitutes a public nuisance.
New Jersey Considers Requiring Continuing Education for Animal Control Officers
New Jersey Assembly No. 4083 proposes to require continuing education courses for animal control officers and animal cruelty investigators.
Joe Exotic Suffers Losses in Civil Suit
A federal judge has recommended that Tiger King’s Joe Exotic’s civil suit against the federal government alleging false arrest be dismissed as frivolous.
New Jersey Legislation Would Require Mental Health Evaluations for Animal Cruelty Offenders
New Jersey Senate Bill 2179, if enacted, would require anyone who commits an animal cruelty offense to be evaluated by a mental health professional and to undergo mental health counseling if warranted by that evaluation.
New York Considers Legislation to Require Animal Abuse Investigation to Trigger Other Investigations
New York Assembly Bill 9948, if enacted, would make it so that the office of children and family services would be required to investigate any individual investigated or accused of animal abuse.
Rhode Island Proposes Increased Penalties for Committing Animal Abuse in the Presence of a Minor
Rhode Island House Bill 7740 would increase available penalties for animal abuse if that abuse was committed in front of a minor. It would allow for up to 7, rather than 5, years of imprisonment and up to $2000, rather than $1000, in fines.
Missouri Bill Would Allow Protective Orders Based on Abuse of a Pet
Missouri House Bill 2626 would authorize courts to issue a protective order based on the abuse of a pet, including an order of temporary custody of the pet(s) at issue.
New Jersey Introduces Animal Abuse Registry Legislation
New Jersey Assembly Bill 3307, if enacted, would establish a statewide registry for individuals convicted of criminal or civil offenses constituting cruelty against an animal. The legislation would require such individuals to register with the state, inform law enforcement of any change in address, and impose fines for failure to comply.