AB42ABE6819794A9872583D60071175B Hearing Summary

Senator Ginal, sponsor, explained HB 19-1092, concerning a prohibition on future ownership of an animal for persons convicted of animal cruelty.  She discussed studies that link animal abuse to future criminal activity.  She emphasized that the bill removes animals from dangerous situations, as well as provides opportunities for those abusing animals to get mental health treatment.  Senator Ginal distributed three letters in support of the bill (Attachments A, B, and C) and amendment L. 008 (Attachment D). 

The committee discussed enforcement of this bill.  

Maxine Mager, representing herself, spoke in opposition to the bill. She expressed concerns about animal welfare.  She distributed a letter outlining her suggestions to clarify that confiscated animals be placed in no-kill shelters (Attachment E).  She also recommended an animal abuser registry, similar to the sex offender one. 

Karen Kalavity, representing herself, spoke in opposition to the bill  She supported an animal abuser registry and expressed concerns about the well-being of confiscated animals. 

Sunny Weber, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  She shared a personal traumatic event and the effect it had on her animals. 

Valerie Hunter Goss, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed the link between animal abuse and other criminal behavior.

Aubyn Royall, representing the Colorado Humane Society, testified in support of the bill.  She noted that the bill will bolster existing animal cruelty laws. 

Dr. Aubrey Lavizzo, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. As a veterinarian, he discussed reporting and other requirements for animal abuse. 

Duane Adams, representing the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies and the Dumb Friends League, spoke in favor of the bill.  He supported provisions in the bill regarding mental health treatment tools for animal abusers. 

Roland Halpern, representing Colorado Voters for Animals, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed the link between animal abuse and domestic violence. 

Committee members discussed the animal abuser registry, and some members expressed concerns that the bill has "no teeth."  Further discussion followed about a judge's discretion to allow juvenile offenders to live with other family members or roommates who have pets. 

Senator Ginal explained amendment L. 008 and said that it allows for the bill to be renamed "Punky's Law."