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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 8, 2025 08:32 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Brandon J. Markosek |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Animal Kidnapping |
| Here and then gone – in just a few seconds, precious family pets can be stolen from their yard or car by ruthless individuals looking to make a fast profit. Each year, an estimated two million animals are stolen from their loved ones. Sadly, these stolen pets face resale to puppy mills, research laboratories, and even animal fighters. Scared and alone, these animals and their families are left wondering why no one is held accountable for their heartbreak. My legislation would crack down on these individuals by establishing tough penalties for intentionally selling or taking any dog, cat, equine animal, swine, or cattle for the purpose of general resale, sale to a laboratory, or animal fighting. A first offense would be a felony of the third degree, with subsequent offenses being a felony of the second degree. In addition, it establishes tough penalties for knowingly taking away a dog, cat, or equine animal for a special or temporary purpose – a misdemeanor of the third degree, with subsequent offenses being a misdemeanor of the second degree. Our animals are beloved members of our family – to think that there are individuals willing to steal them and sell them without remorse is terrifying. As legislators, we must ensure that we protect all of our constituents, including those with four legs, wet noses, and no voice to speak up with. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to hold animal thieves accountable for the terror and trauma they leave with each animal they take. |
Introduced as HB406