SCS/SB 164 - Currently, the crime of animal trespass is defined as a person having ownership of an animal who fails to provide adequate control of the animal for a period of 12 hours or more. Under this act, a person commits the offense of animal trespass by failing to provide adequate control of any animal, except livestock, when the animal trespasses on another's property. A person commits the offense of livestock trespass by failing to provide adequate control of any livestock for a period of 12 hours or more when the livestock trespasses on another person's property.
The offenses of animal trespass and livestock trespass are infractions unless the offender has been previously found guilty of the offense, in which case they are Class C misdemeanors.
In addition, this act removes the maximum fines that may be charged for animal or livestock trespass. This act repeals a provision stating that reasonable costs for the care and maintenance of trespassing animals may not be waived.
This act is similar to HB 176 (2017), SB 721 (2016), a provision of SS/SCS/SBs 112, 212, 143, & 234 (2015) and SB 143 (2015).
JOHN GRANA