People who intentionally maim, torture, wound or kill an animal in Connecticut could face tougher punishments under a bill moving through the General Assembly.
The Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously for a bill that subjects repeat offenders to a class C felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. They would not be allowed to receive accelerated rehabilitation, a pretrial diversionary program that enables people to avoid a conviction.
Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., co-chairman of the legislature's Environment Committee, said animal rights groups have complained that people previously found guilty of such abuses have received "really minimal punishment" for second-time offenses.
First-time offenders would be subject a lesser penalty and eligible for accelerated rehabilitation.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.
