Jeff Brandes Files Bill to Expand Animal Abuse Prosecution

| Posted: January 28, 2013 6:01 PM

Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, has filed a bill, SB 504, intended to make it easier to prosecute those who abuse animals through animal fighting.

“Violence against animals is a serious problem, and I’m committed to ensuring that our law enforcement and prosecutors have the necessary tools to bring animal abusers to justice,” Brandes stated in a release.

“I believe it’s important to prevent this type of violence, and I look forward to swift approval by the Senate.”

According to the release, the bill would allow offenders to face multiple counts of animal abuse when multiple animals are involved, amending language that typically narrows offenders to a single charge.