SB 221 - Addressing Animal Cruelty
BySB 221, sponsored by Senator Mitch Tropila (D-Great Falls) was heard Thursday before the House Judiciary committee. SB 221, titled “Revise Laws Related to Animal Cruelty Re: Animal Hoarding” aims to include mental evaluations into cruelty offenses for those charged with hoarding animals, in addition to increased criminal penalties related to the offense.
According to Senator Tropila, “by adding a mental health component and tightening the existent rules we can guarantee that those in need of help, get help, and that those who are true offenders are prosecuted.”
Animal hoarding is a serious problem that affects not only animals, but families and communities as well. The costs associated with legal responses to the multitude of animal cruelty cases here in Montana affects the ability of law enforcement agencies, animal rescue groups and private, nonprofit animal shelters to fulfill their core social responsibilities.
It was made clear in testimony that those who commit the offense of animal hoarding come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, and though not necessarily criminal by nature are certainly guilty of criminal behavior and in need of help. Yet, if an offender is found mentally unstable after professional evaluation, then the offender cannot be prosecuted as a felon.
SB 221 passed in the Senate by a vote of 33 to 17.
"I think that it’s going to all work out, with the changes that we have agreed to. It’s not as much (spending for some programs) as I would’ve hoped, but apparently it’s more than other people wanted. As usual, we are trying to find the middle.” 
"[On term limits:] You empower the executive, you empower the lobbyists and that's not good for the system because then we lose what the citizen Legislature brings.” 