Animal Abuse Bill Considered
Written by Andrew-Rossi on February 14, 2018
Wyoming lawmakers are considering a bill that would increase the fines levied against people convicted of abusing animals.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports the bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Mike Gierau would raise the fine for an initial animal cruelty conviction to $2,500. A fine for a subsequent offense would increase to $10,000. The bill would also increase the maximum fine for the elevated charge of aggravated animal cruelty to $10,000.
Under current state law, the misdemeanor animal cruelty charge is punishable by a fine of up to $750 and up to six months imprisonment. A subsequent offense increases the fine to $5,000 and imprisonment to one year. Aggravated animal cruelty is a felony offense punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and no more than two years in prison.
