AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

SB 2298 increases the maximum jail time for a first offense of animal cruelty from 11 to 12 months. It directly affects individuals convicted of mistreating animals, such as failing to provide food, shelter, or causing unnecessary harm. The bill amends the existing law to raise the penalty for initial violations without changing fines or additional requirements for repeat offenses. This is a straightforward adjustment to sentencing severity for the most common cruelty charge.