HB0003

Creates a criminal offense for failing to immediately euthanize predatory animals injured or disabled by vehicles, increases penalties for animal cruelty convictions, and authorizes game and fish law enforcement to enforce these provisions.

• Establishes a new criminal offense requiring any person who intentionally injures or disables a predatory animal using an automotive or motor-propelled vehicle to immediately use all reasonable efforts to kill the injured animal; failure to do so constitutes cruelty to animals. (W.S. 6-3-1002(b))
• Increases the maximum fine for a first offense of cruelty to animals from $750 to $1,000. (W.S. 6-3-1004(a))
• Authorizes courts to revoke hunting licenses and suspend a person's privilege to purchase or receive hunting licenses or take wildlife upon conviction of the new predatory animal offense. (W.S. 6-3-1004(c), W.S. 23-6-206(a))
• Specifies that suspension of hunting privileges for cruelty to animals convictions may last up to three years. (W.S. 23-6-206(a)(iii))
• Authorizes qualified game and fish law enforcement personnel to enforce the new predatory animal cruelty provisions in addition to other peace officers. (W.S. 6-3-1010(b), W.S. 9-1-701 through 9-1-707)

Effective: July 1, 2025

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