Senator Ginal’s Animal Cruelty Bill Unanimously Passes the Senate Judiciary Committee

April 9, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate Judiciary Committee recently voted unanimously to pass HB19-1092, Animal Ban For Cruelty To Animals Conviction, a bill sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) to prevent animal cruelty in Colorado and get animal abusers the mental help they need. The bill now moves to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

“Those with a history of cruelty to animals oftentimes go on to commit other forms of violent crimes,” said Senator Ginal. “This bill will protect animals from abusive situations and prevent offenders from committing other violent crimes by offering them the mental health treatment they need.”

Animal abuse often coincides with domestic violence, and it is closely related to other types of crimes and violence such as child, partner, and elder abuse. This legislation would help give people who have abused or tortured animals the resources and support needed to reduce future risks of harming humans and other animals.

HB19-1092 would give judges the ability to prohibit adults and juveniles convicted of animal abuse misdemeanors from owning, possessing, caring for, or residing with an animal for anywhere from one to five years, ending patterns of repeat animal abuse and alleviating animal suffering.

For more information on HB19-1092, please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1092.

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