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 142 offenders (19 felony and 123 misdemeanor) placed on community supervision for cruelty to animals.  Less than ten juveniles were admitted to the Texas Youth Commission 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.