STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3090

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2513

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2513 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to include intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly using a castration band to neuter a dog, cat, or other domesticated pet under the offense of cruelty to animals in the second degree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Animal Rights Hawaii, Pacific Pet Alliance, Aloha Animal Advocates, Pono Advocacy, Poi Dogs and Popoki, and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General.

Your Committee finds that castration bands are often used to castrate farm animals; however; use of castration bands by untrained pet owners can result in physical pain and suffering, and injury in some instances, to the pet animal. Your Committee further finds that a variety of service providers provide free or low-cost spay and neuter services for pet dogs and cats; therefore, there is no legitimate reason for pet owners to use castration bands on their pets.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Replacing the term "domesticated pet" with the term "pet animal", and excluding caged birds;

(2) Clarifying the definition of the term "castration band";

(3) Allowing the use of castration bands if the use is part of accepted veterinary practices, certain scientific research, or licensed pest control operations; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2513, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2513, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair