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 Counsel at Pasado’s Safe Haven, emphasized the importance of the new law, stating it will provide greater protections for animals and hold offenders accountable for their actions. The organization has played a pivotal role in modernizing animal protections in the state.
Among the key changes in the legislation is the inclusion of individuals who assist in animal fighting, making it a punishable crime. The law also integrates animal fighting into the state’s sentencing guidelines, which will lead to harsher, more consistent penalties for convicted offenders. Additionally, anyone found guilty of animal fighting will face a lifetime ban on owning animals.
The bill broadens definitions of cruelty, including those who incite or facilitate such acts. It updates legal standards, creating clear, enforceable expectations for the care of animals in various situations.
Enforcement measures have also been bolstered. The legislation introduces escalating penalties for individuals who violate animal ownership bans, with consequences ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the number of offenses. Officers are now empowered to seize animals immediately if they find a person charged with animal cruelty in possession of a pet in violation of a court order.
The timeframe for private individuals to intervene in cases of animals deprived of food or water has been reduced from 36 hours to 24 hours. Furthermore, law enforcement can act sooner if an animal’s health is at immediate risk, and abandonment can now be determined without a waiting period.
Overall, House Bill 1149 represents a commitment to enhancing animal welfare across Washington, with advocates hopeful it will lead to more effective enforcement against cruelty and fighting.
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