HB 6-CRUELTY TO ANIMALS  2:53:06 PM CHAIR FRENCH announced the consideration of HB 6. [CSHB 6(JUD) am was before the committee.] REPRESENTATIVE BOB LYNN, sponsor of HB 6, said this bill expands the animal cruelty statutes to include bestiality. Jokes on this topic abound, but it's no laughing matter; it's linked to sexual abuse of a minor crimes. He reported that the impetus for the bill was an incident that arose in Klawock involving a convicted sex offender who tied a dog to a tree, taped its muzzle shut, and then sexually assaulted it. He was surprised to learn that there is no state law prohibiting this activity and that this was not an isolated incident. He noted that the bill packet includes a list of frequently asked questions and answers about bestiality. For example: · Is there a connection between animal sexual abuse and domestic violence, child abuse, and other violent crimes? - Yes, and it is worse than expected. · Is animal sexual abuse illegal in other states? - Yes, at least 35 other states outlaw bestiality. · Are there exemptions in the bill for accepted veterinary and animal husbandry procedures? - Yes. · Is bestiality a problem in Alaska and the rest of the U.S.? - Yes, and that's why most states have laws against bestiality. Alaska should also have such a law. REPRESENTATIVE LYNN noted that the packet also contains letters of support from the Alaska Department of Corrections; the Alaska Farm Bureau, Inc.; Alaska Peace Officers Association; the American Humane Association; and the Humane Society of the United States. In addition to addressing bestiality, the bill is also addressing public safety, particularly for children, he concluded. 2:57:49 PM MIKE SICA, Staff to Representative Lynn, said HB 6 seeks to expand the current provision on animal cruelty to include offenses of sexual abuse of animals. Senator Wielechowski is asking for the tougher penalties in his bill and this bill is saying don't leave holes in the law. Section 1 amends AS 11.61.140(a) adding paragraphs (6) and (7) that say that a person commits animal cruelty by knowingly engaging in sexual conduct with an animal, and by intentionally permitting sexual conduct with an animal to occur on any premises under their control. Section 2 adds a definition of what constitutes sexual conduct with an animal, and is lifted almost word for word from Washington statute. MR. SICA said this bill is simple, but it is not trivial. The established link between animal cruelty and cruelty to humans extends to sexual behavior. He directed attention to the human pet abuse section of petabuse.com site and remarked that it's stunning to see the hundreds of cases, including the one in Klawock. When Washington State was considering similar legislation, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer headline simply said, "Welcome to No-Brainsville." 3:01:51 PM DON MARVIN, Mayor, Klawock, stated strong support for HB 6. The previously mentioned case of animal sexual assault was a nightmare for the community to live through. The residents didn't feel safe, but the person could not be held or prosecuted under current law. RONNIE ROSENBERG, Chair, Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control Commission, said she is also the founder and president of the Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund. The commission unanimously supports HB 6. They have seen these cases and are mindful of the link between this and sexual abuse of a minor and the harm it causes a community. This is not a victimless crime; there isn't any good reason that this conduct shouldn't be criminalized, she concluded. 3:05:08 PM LESLIE ISAACS, City Administrator, Klawock, stated support for HB 6. He related that when the sexual abuse of an animal incident came to light in Klawock the police visited the individual, but they couldn't press charges because there wasn't an applicable law. Some community members began to talk about vigilante justice, which caused another citizen to comment that it would be a miscarriage of justice if someone sought retribution and ended up in jail. CHAIR FRENCH closed public testimony and held HB 6 in committee. 3:07:41 PM There being no further business to come before the committee, Chair French adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee at 3:07 p.m.