Senator Hausman seeks tougher penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders

Senator Hausman introduced House Bill 134 to strengthen Delaware's animal cruelty statute. The bill would escalate penalties for repeat offenders: after two misdemeanor animal cruelty convictions, further violations that would otherwise be misdemeanors become class F felonies; after a felony conviction, subsequent violations that would otherwise be felonies become class E felonies; and a second felony conviction would trigger a lifetime prohibition on owning or possessing animals.

Hausman said the bill focuses on the most serious and intentional harm and maintains safeguards such as licensing and other applicable statutory protections. Committee members asked no follow‑up questions during the hearing; no vote was recorded at the session.