Law enforcement agencies just got help cracking down on animal cruelty, after Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation Tuesday that can require anyone whose animals are seized to pay for the animals’ care while a criminal case is prosecuted.
Senate Bill 356 became law with the sweep of Deal's pen, and got an immediate cheer from animal advocates.
“We congratulate all our partners in passing this important law to help put the financial burden of caring for abused animals on the abuser, rather than on the taxpayer,” said Debra Berger, the Georgia state director for The Humane Society of the United States. “The new law ensures that animals who are victims of illegal animal cruelty get the care that they deserve.”
State Sen. Michael Williams, R-Cumming, sponsored the bill, which had support from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Sheriffs' Association, Georgia Chiefs of Police and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia.
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