Report Title:
Cruelty to Animals
Description:
Makes it a class C felony to kill, distribute, or purchase any domesticated dog or cat for the purpose of human consumption. (HB866 HD1)
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
866 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that, while killing dogs and other companion animals for food is unacceptable in many societies, it is a widespread practice in others. Critics of the consumption of dog meat cite inhumane killing and unsanitary slaughter methods as some of the reasons to condemn the practice. Yet, there is no law specifically prohibiting the sale, purchase, or other distribution of domesticated dogs or cats for human consumption, whether humanely slaughtered or not.
The legislature further finds that, while the killing and sale of dogs for food is not a common practice in Hawaii, the Honolulu police department and the Hawaiian Humane Society have recently received reports of the illegal seizure and gruesome slaughter of dogs for meat. There have also been reports on Oahu of people selling stolen or stray dogs for consumption.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the killing and sale, purchase, or other distribution of domesticated dogs or cats for human consumption.
SECTION 2. Chapter 711, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§711- Cruelty to animals; killing, distributing, or acquiring domesticated dogs or cats for human consumption. (1) A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals if the person:
(a) Kills any domesticated dog or cat for the purpose of human consumption;
(b) Distributes any domesticated dog or cat, or carcass thereof, to another for the purpose of human consumption; or
(c) Buys or otherwise acquires any domesticated dog or cat, or the carcass thereof, for the purpose of human consumption.
(2) As used in this section:
"Distribute" means to sell, transfer, give, or deliver to another, or to leave, barter, or exchange with another, or to offer or agree to do the same.
"Domesticated dog or cat" means any dog or cat traditionally or commonly kept as a pet or companion animal.
(3) Violation of this section shall be a class C felony."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored. SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.