This bill would amend the Penal Code to provide penalties for cruelty to livestock and nonlivestock animals.  The bill would modify the current section of the Penal Code to apply to livestock animals and create a new section within the Penal Code for offenses against nonlivestock animals.   The new section would make punishment for the first offense a Class A Misdemeanor and subsequent punishments a state jail or third degree felony based on the number of previous convictions.  The bill would also amend the Family Code to include the new penal code section.

In fiscal year 2006 there were 11 admissions to prison and state jail and 209 (40 felony and 169 misdemeanor) offenders placed on community supervision in fiscal year 2005 for cruelty to animals.  Only one juvenile was admitted to TYC in fiscal year 2006 for cruelty to animals. 

No significant impact on the programs and workload of state corrections agencies or on the demand for resources and services of those agencies is anticipated from any provisions of this bill that authorize or require a change in the sanctions applicable to adults convicted of felony crimes.