By Krista Sobecki-Koontz, Humane Investigations Coordinator

In 2017, Pennsylvania’s animal cruelty laws were amended after a case involving a young Boston Terrier puppy named Libre. Libre was just eight weeks old when he was rescued from a dog breeder in Lancaster. He was left outside, suffering from numerous medical issues including a severe skin infection. Luckily, Libre was found by a good Samaritan who nursed him back to health, but his story made headlines around the world. The outcome of Libre’s criminal case was disappointing, with the person responsible for his neglect receiving only a fine. But, Libre’s story inspired legislators to propose a bill to strengthen animal cruelty laws in Pennsylvania.

In July 2017, Comprehensive Animal Cruelty Act 10, better known as Libre’s Law, was signed into law. This law added many new aspects to Pennsylvania’s animal protections law, most importantly, strengthening the charges that can be filed for animal neglect and cruelty.

Before Libre’s Law was passed, offenders were charged under a law that was originally drafted in 1983. Offenders were only charged under a single section, 5511(c) and a misdemeanor was the highest crime that could be charged under this section. Sadly, violators were rarely charged unless the crime was severe.  Most crimes falling under this section were only considered summary offenses, the most minor type of criminal offense.

With the passing of Libre’s Law, legislation now provides more detail for the penalties for animal cruelty and neglect.  Neglect of an animal (5532) is typically a summary offense for failing to provide food, water, shelter or veterinary care for an animal. The summary offense can be upgraded to a misdemeanor if the neglect causes bodily injury or places the animal at risk of serious bodily injury or death.

Animal cruelty (5533) is when an offender mistreats, overloads, beats, abandons or abuses an animal and causes bodily harm. This can be either a summary offense or a misdemeanor if the cruelty causes serious bodily harm or places the animal at imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death. If charged with the misdemeanor, the offender could face up to two years in jail.

Aggravated animal cruelty (5534) can be charged when an offender tortures an animal or commits neglect or animal cruelty that causes serious bodily injury or death. If charged with this offense, the offender will be charged with a felony offense and could face up to seven years in prison.

Thanks to a little Boston Terrier and several good Samaritans who refused to let a dog suffer without justice, individuals who mistreat, neglect and abuse animals now face some of the strongest animal cruelty laws in the country. And, our animal companions have the protection they deserve.