Penalty increase for animal neglect advanced

Those convicted of neglecting animals could face a stiffer penalty under a bill advanced to select file March 21.

LB674, introduced by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, would enable judges to impose the same animal ownership restrictions for cruel neglect of animals as can be imposed for the cruel mistreatment of animals.

Currently, cruel mistreatment of an animal is a Class I misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year of incarceration, a $1,000 fine or both. The court has the option to order that a person not own, possess or reside with an animal for up to five years.

LB674 clarifies that cruel neglect of an animal also would be a Class I misdemeanor with an offender subject to the same animal ownership restrictions.

Chambers cited a case in which a Lancaster County judge, who convicted a person of operating a puppy mill, was surprised to learn he could not sentence the offender to more than two years of ownership restriction. LB674 gives judges more discretion when deciding penalties for animal cruelty, Chambers said.

Senators advanced the bill on a 25-0 vote.