STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1174-20

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2020

 

RE:   S.B. No. 2513

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 2513, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

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

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to include the intentional, knowing, or reckless use of castration bands to neuter dogs, cats, or certain other pet animals under the offense of cruelty to animals in the second degree.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Animal Rights Hawaii, The Animal Welfare Institute, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaiian Humane Society, Poi Dogs and Popoki, and two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that castration bands are intended for use on farm animals larger than pet animals.  The use of castration bands on pet animals by untrained pet owners can result in physical pain, suffering, and injury to the animals.  Your Committee further finds that several service providers in the State provide free or low-cost spay and neuter services performed by licensed veterinarians for pet dogs and cats.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

 

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2513, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2513, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair