On Wednesday, March 19, a Nevada Assembly committee will be considering a bill to strengthen protections for animals by penalizing people who allow, permit or approve of animal torture or cruelty as defined in Nevada law. AB 381 also enhances penalties for those found to have been convicted of cruelty in especially egregious cases.
AKC appreciates the sponsor, Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, for ensuring that this bill addresses and penalizes cases of animal cruelty and torture, while keeping important clarifications in Nevada law to protect humane animal care practices.
Nevada club members are encouraged to contact the committee and express your support. Scroll down for contact information.
Summary:
Some of the key aspects of Assembly Bill 381 are detailed below. For the entire bill click here.
- Expands liability for animal cruelty or torture to those who do nothing to prevent or stop the torture or cruelty of animal in circumstances in which the person knows or has reason to believe the act is occurring. It continues to keep the current definition that ensures this applies to “unjustifiable acts”
- Expands penalties for those who willfully and maliciously violate Nevada’s animal cruelty laws in egregious cases.
- Expands liability for animal cruelty or torture to those who approve or grant approval of such an act in circumstances that a reasonable person would not approve of.
- Keeps current exemption for “established methods of animal husbandry” to ensure this will not impact appropriate, humane animal care and practices. It also keeps current exemptions for dog events and hunt training in the tethering provisions.
What You Can Do:
If you would like to include your written support for Assembly Bill 381 ahead of the March 19 hearing, you can do so here by clicking the “Opinions” box at the top right corner of the page or by sending an email to AsmJUD@asm.state.nv.us. Be sure to include that you support these reasonable updates to animal cruelty laws that protect the welfare of animals and responsible animal owners.
On the day of the hearing (March 19 at 8:00 am), you can include your public comments by dialing (888) 475-4499. When prompted, provide the Meeting ID 867 3012 4258 and then press #. When prompted for a Participant ID, press #.
You can also testify in person: Room 3138 of the Legislative Building, 401 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV and Video conferenced to Room 3 of the Nevada Legislature Hearing Rooms, 7120 Amigo Street, Las Vegas, NV.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in Nevada impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.