February 21, 2023

Reps. Borer, Fishbein Support Stronger Protections for Animals

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State Representatives Dorinda Borer (D-115) and Craig Fishbein (R-90) cosponsored an important bipartisan bill to strengthen state cruelty to animal laws, including redefining certain terms, mandating veterinarians report suspected cruelty and prohibiting convicted abusers from working with animals, among other changes.

House Bill 6714 – An Act Concerning Cruelty to Animals will make specific changes to current state law that will provide stronger protections for animals while also increasing penalties and holding offenders accountable for cases of cruelty. The new law will refine current terminology to further define sexual assaults of animals, allow law enforcement and animal control officers to remove animals in cases of suspected animal abuse or when there is concern of imminent harm, and mandate veterinarians report suspected cases of animal abuse.

“Acts of animal cruelty are violent, disturbing and should be taken very seriously. Protecting innocent, defenseless animals is not a partisan issue, and that’s why Rep. Fishbein and I have joined forces to introduce this bill and I’m grateful for the support it is receiving by our fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle,” said Rep. Borer. “Animal abuse is often either a precursor or an indicator of family violence or future crimes. Therefore, clearly defining the bestiality law, identifying abusers through reporting channels and disallowing those convicted from being around animals is a step toward addressing these disgusting crimes and finally sends a strong message. Quite frankly, allowing someone who has just been convicted of torturing or maliciously killing an animal to now volunteer, work or rescue another animal is preposterous.”

“Protecting those who cannot speak up for themselves is one of our primary roles as legislators and I’m proud to join Rep. Borer and my colleagues on both sides to strengthen these laws to provide even greater protections for all animals,” Rep. Fishbein, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee said. “Wishing to do harm, or worse, satisfy deviant sexual desires at the expense of a helpless animal is abhorrent and this law will provide law enforcement with more tools to end these heinous practices before they escalate even further. Studies have shown direct connections between people who commit acts of animal abuse and violent crime.”

The bill has been raised by the Judiciary Committee and awaits further action.