Washington Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed legislation that broadened the definitions of animal cruelty and animal fighting, updated associated penalties, and strengthened animal protection enforcement, according to local news.
“Animal abuse will not be tolerated in Washington state,” Governor Ferguson said, moments before signing House Bill 1149.
Under the new law, second-degree animal cruelty now includes cases where an individual “instigates” or “furthers” abuse of an animal, or causes an animal to suffer unnecessarily by depriving them of sufficient food or water.
The definition of animal fighting has also been expanded to cover those who aid or abet the offense. Anyone convicted of this crime will be banned from having, taking care of, or living with animals.
Violating a ban on having animals after a conviction for animal cruelty or animal fighting is a misdemeanor for the first offense, a gross misdemeanor for the second, and a class C felony for further offenses.
In addition, the law will further empower authorities to seize animals kept in defiance of pre-trial court orders, shorten the time an animal can go without food or water before someone can intervene, and authorize authorities to determine animal abandonment sooner.
These critical changes close loopholes that previously allowed some forms of neglect and abuse to slip through the cracks, ensuring more offenders will be held accountable and giving animals the protection they urgently need.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to Washington lawmakers for enacting these animal welfare reforms that protect vulnerable animals from cruelty, neglect, and abandonment.
