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The House Judiciary Committee Wednesday approved a slew of bills aimed at protecting the welfare of animals.
The committee voted 25-1 for House Bill 1933 sponsored by Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, requiring veterinarians, humane societies and animal control agencies to report suspected cases of animal cruelty to law enforcement.
Sappey said there is a dangerous connection between animal cruelty serious crimes involving sexual offenses and violent assaults.
HB1933 provides civil and criminal immunity for mandatory reporters.
The committee voted 25-1 for House Bill 1938 sponsored by Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, which increases the grading of the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals for repeat offenders. A second or subsequent offense would bring higher penalties, said Shusterman.
Approved by a unanimous vote, House Bill 1932 sponsored by Rep. Katie Klunk, R-York, creates the offense of sexual crimes against animals.
HB1932 covers acts where a person engages in sexual contact with an animal, permits sexual contact to occur with an animal under that person's charge and organizes, promotes or acts as an observer in any act involving sexual contact with an animal.
"These types of crimes against animals lead to crimes against humans," Klunk told the committee.
The committee voted 25-1 for House Bill 879 sponsored by Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Philadelphia, giving the state attorney general ability to prosecute large-scale cases of animal cruelty in counties where the district attorney lacks experience doing so.
Bills address procedures
The committee voted 14-12 along party lines with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposed for an amended House Bill 1716 sponsored by Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery. HB176 makes it unlawful to declaw cats unless medically necessary and done by a vet.
Hanbidge called this an elective procedure done for cosmetic purposes that can cause pain, infection and tissue damage for cats.
The committee voted 25-1 for House Bill 608 sponsored by Isaacson increasing penalties for ear cropping of dogs if not done by a vet.
HB608 increases the offense from a summary offense to a third-degree misdemeanor with subsequent offenses constituting a second-degree misdemeanor.
Isaacson said improper ear-cropping can cause pain and infection to dogs.