STAND. COM. REP. NO.  413

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2019

 

RE:   H.B. No. 200

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 200 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CRUELTY TO ANIMALS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to protect dogs by increasing the scope and penalties for cruelty to animals in the second degree.  Specifically, this measure:

 

(1)  Prohibits a trolley, pulley, cable, or running line designed to attach a dog to two stationary objects:

 

          (A)  If the dog is less than six months old, unless the dog is in a supervised activity;

 

          (B)  In a configuration that endangers or prevents dogs from obtaining necessary sustenance;

 

          (C)  If the tether is less than ten feet in length, unless the dog is in a supervised activity; or

 

          (D)  If the tow or log chain is disproportionate to the size and weight of the dog;

 

(2)  Specifies a penalty for a person who assists in the commission of cruelty to animals in the second degree;

 

(3)  Increases the severity and scope of the penalty for cruelty to animals in the second degree depending on the number of pet animals involved in any one instance and the number of prior convictions, including increased fines, required animal abuse prevention classes, mental health assessments, and community service; and

 

(4)  Provides that the fines for these crimes be paid to the respective counties where the crime occurred.

 

     The Humane Society of the United States, Pacific Pet Alliance, West Hawaii Humane Society, Animal Rights Hawaii, The Animal Interfaith Alliance, Aloha Animal Advocates, and numerous concerned individuals supported this measure.  The Hawaiian Humane Society supported this measure with amendments.  A concerned individual commented on this measure.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Deleting the length of the tether as an item under the prohibited trolley, pulley, cable, or running line;

 

     (2)  Removing the provisions that specify a penalty for a person who assists in the commission of cruelty to animals in the second degree;

 

     (3)  Deleting the provisions relating to enhancing and increasing the severity and scope of the penalties and the payment of the fines to the counties; and

 

     (4)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2150, to encourage further discussion.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 200, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 200, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

RICHARD P. CREAGAN, Chair