STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2775

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2512

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2512, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase penalties and establish an additional fine for animal desertion.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Conservation Council for Hawaii, Hawaii Cat Foundation, Poi Dogs & Popoki, The Humane Society of the United States, and seven individuals.

 

     Your Committee recognizes that every year, the abandonment of thousands of animals across Hawaii contributes to increased animal control costs, animal suffering, overpopulation, increased euthanasia rates at local animal shelters, and possible harm to native wildlife.  Your Committee believes that this measure's stronger penalties will deter animal desertion, encourage pet owners to work with local shelters and animal control contractors when a pet must be re-homed, strengthen pet retention, encourage human-animal bonding, and protect pet owners and animals.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2512, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair