Amends existing law to establish provisions regarding torture of companion animals, to provide that certain officers may take possession of companion animals subjected to torture; and to establish provisions regarding penalties for certain violations.

This legislation amends Sections 25-3502, 25-3504, 25-3520 and 20-511A relating to prohibitions on animal cruelty. Specifically, the proposed legislation includes the following amendments to existing law: 1. Clarifies that pet equines not used for any commercial activity are companion animals; 2. Provides that the knowing and willful torture of a companion animal is a felony upon a second offense; 3. Providesthattheknowingandwillfultortureofcompanionanimalisafelonyuponafirstoffense if committed in the presence of a minor; 4. Provides that a person convicted of animal cruelty may be ordered to participate in available animal cruelty prevention or education programs; and 5. Permits a court to order the Department of Health and Welfare to submit an appropriate mental health assessment where the record before the court indicates that a juvenile is suffering from a serious emotional disturbance which presents a risk to the safety or well-being of an animal or companion animal.