A bill aimed at increasing penalties for animal cruelty is gaining momentum in the state Legislature. This initiative follows the wide circulation of a graphic video showing the violent abuse of a dog in Wahiawa, which sparked public outrage and demands for stronger legal measures.
The disturbing footage, recorded on a Thursday morning, depicts two individuals attempting to load a dog into a vehicle. One of them, a woman, is seen repeatedly slamming the dog onto the ground before throwing it into the car. The dog, identified as Zuko, is currently under the care of the Hawaiian Humane Society. The organization reports that Zuko appears to be in good physical health and is undergoing further evaluation at its Moiliili campus. The woman seen in the video has been cited for second-degree animal cruelty.
The bill, known as House Bill 698, proposes to elevate the penalty for certain acts of animal cruelty to a Class B felony, particularly when involving a pet animal. It also seeks to extend felony-level charges for second-degree cruelty in cases resulting in a pet’s death or involving ten or more pets. Presently, such cases are prosecuted under lesser charges. The existing law classifies first-degree animal cruelty as a Class C felony.
Data from the Honolulu Police Department indicates a rise in reported animal cruelty cases, with 73 incidents recorded in 2023, up from 58 in 2018. The bill also addresses the penalties for harm to service or law enforcement animals, proposing to upgrade repeat offenses from a Class C felony to a Class B felony. Additionally, the legislation retains the five-year ban on pet ownership for those convicted under these provisions.
Anna Neubauer, President and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, emphasized the significance of community vigilance in combating animal cruelty. She encouraged witnesses to report abuse to the relevant authorities to prevent further harm to both animals and people. Reports can be made via 911, the Hawaiian Humane Society’s dispatch line at 808-356-2250, their website, or Animal CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300. Reports can be anonymous, though witnesses willing to testify enhance the likelihood of prosecution.
While social media can be a powerful tool for awareness, Neubauer cautioned that sharing potential evidence online before notifying authorities might delay law enforcement actions and hinder accountability efforts.
