Urgent Action Alert
3.18.11 Alert: SUPPORT NEEDED FOR HB 1102 STRONGER PUNISHMENT FOR PET THEFT
Take Action!
Quick Summary: HB 1102 will make the penalty for stealing a pet a state jail felony - with the punishment being a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000; or both jail time and a fine.
Background
Currently the punishment for stealing a pet depends on the market value of the pet. Most pets have little or no market value and the penalty is usually a Class C Misdemeanor - which is a fine of no more than $500 and there is no jail time!
HB 1102 will make the penalty for stealing a pet a state jail felony - with the punishment being a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000; or both jail time and a fine.
Pet theft is on the rise. Thieves use stolen pets for blackmail; for sale to dogfighters to use as "bait dogs"; and for resale at flea markets and roadside venues.
Action Needed
HB 1102 will be heard by the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence at 10:30 am Tuesday, March 22nd in Room 120 John H. Reagan Building (just North of the Capitol). Please contact each member of this Committee and ask them to SUPPORT HB 1102. Also, if possible, please go to the hearing and sign a card in support of HB 1102. The Committee contact information is below.
House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
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| Phone (512) | Fax (512) | |
| 463- 0566 | 236-9408 | |||
| V-Chair: | 463- 0576 | 463- 7827 | ||
| Members: | 463- 0645 | 463- 0559 | ||
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| 463- 0464 | 463- 9295 | ||
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| 463- 0454 | 463- 1121 | ||
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| 463- 0556 | 463- 5896 | ||
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| 463- 0598 | 463- 2297 | ||
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| 463- 0674 | 463- 0314 | ||
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| 463- 0374 | 463- 0364 |
Please, as always be polite and courteous when speaking with Committee members or their staff.
