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["Lynda" <lurine AT softcom.net>]

Oregon passed a bill that changes the definition of physical injury for
purposes of animal abuse and neglect statutes, and specifies means of
legally establishing some forms of physical injury to an animal. This type
of provision is unique. In addition, the bill reclassifies the crime of
animal abuse in the first degree to a felony with maximum penalty of five
years' imprisonment, fine of $100,000, or both, if the crime is committed
under certain conditions or committed by a defendant having a specified
criminal history; and prohibits a person convicted of animal cruelty from
possessing animals in the future.

And:  133.377. Arrest of persons for cruelty to animals; immunity of peace
officer providing care for animal.
(1) Any person violating ORS 167.315 to 167.330 and 167.340 may be arrested
and held WITHOUT WARRANT

>snip<

(8) As used in ORS 167.325 and 167.330, "Minimum care" means care sufficient
to preserve the health and well-being of an animal and, except for
emergencies or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the owner,
includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements:

(a) Food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or
maintenance of body weight.

(b) Open or adequate access to potable water in sufficient quantity to
satisfy the animal's needs. Snow or ice is not an adequate water source.

(c) In the case of pet or domestic animals, access to a barn, dog house or
other enclosed structure sufficient to protect the animal from wind, rain,
snow or sun and which has adequate bedding to protect against cold and
dampness.

(d) Veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to
relieve distress from injury, neglect or disease.

(e) Pet or domestic animals shall not be confined to an area without
adequate space for exercise necessary for the health of the animal or which
does not allow access to a dry place for the animal to rest. The air
temperature in a confinement area must be suitable for the animal involved.
Confinement areas must be kept reasonably clean and free from excess waste
or other contaminants which could affect the animal's health.

Of course, we can do this all day long.  All states have laws against animal
cruelty.  Almost all spell out the type of shelter, food and water that
animals have to have.  HOWEVER, most don't let you arrest people without a
warrant.  Nor do they have $100,000 fines.

But the again, they aren't California and it would spoil the rant if we
looked at all the laws.

Lynda
----- Original Message -----

> Here's something amusing from the San Francisco Chronicle:
>