Cruelty

Washington Enacts Sweeping Reforms to Strengthen Animal Cruelty Laws, Enhancing Protection and Accountability

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Olympia, Wash. — Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1149 into law on Monday, enhancing the legal framework surrounding animal cruelty and fighting in Washington. The new legislation arrives at a crucial time, aiming to strengthen accountability and improve enforcement across the state. This bill, developed in collaboration with Pasado’s Safe Haven, marks one of the most significant reforms in animal cruelty policy in over a decade. It expands the criteria for what constitutes animal cruelty and fighting, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to protecting animals from abuse. Kirsten Gregory, Legislative Affairs Director and General … Read more

Washington State Enacts Tough New Laws to Combat Animal Cruelty and Fighting

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Olympia, Wash. — New legislation aimed at strengthening Washington State’s laws against animal fighting and cruelty has been enacted, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding animal welfare. The new law, known as ESHB 1149, introduces more stringent penalties for those convicted of these offenses. Under the revised law, individuals found guilty of engaging in animal fighting may face a class C felony charge, potentially resulting in a prison sentence of up to five years. Repeat offenders will encounter even harsher repercussions, signaling a tough stance against such criminal activity. The legislation also enacts a lifetime ban … Read more

School District K9 Handler Pleads Not Guilty After Dog Dies in Hot Car; Sparks Debate on Animal Cruelty Laws

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Las Vegas, NV — A K9 handler with the Clark County School District is facing misdemeanor charges in a case where his police dog died after being left in a vehicle for over six hours. The handler, identified as James Harris, pleaded not guilty to amended charges of torturing, injuring, abandoning, and starving an animal, court records reveal. The tragic incident occurred on Nov. 14, when K9 Marley succumbed after being left in a vehicle kennel by Harris, who was on assignment at Foothill High School. Documents filed in court indicate that Harris parked the … Read more

Scioto County Unveils 17 New Indictments: From Drug Charges to Animal Cruelty in Latest Grand Jury Results

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PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — The Scioto County Grand Jury concluded its January sessions by issuing 17 indictments covering a range of offenses from drug charges to animal cruelty. Prosecutor Shane A. Tieman announced the indictments on February 21, revealing serious allegations that caught multiple individuals in its web. Among those indicted, issues of escape were highlighted with two men facing serious allegations. Eric Bundey, 36, from New Boston and Christopher Lampkin, 46, of Portsmouth, have been formally charged with escape, pointing toward potentially severe breakdowns in regional security protocols. Drug-related charges dominated the indictments with notable … Read more