AN ACT CONCERNING ANIMAL ABUSE.

HB 6153 increases penalties for specific animal abuse offenses by reclassifying a first offense of starving, violently harming, or causing an animal's death as a class D felony (instead of a misdemeanor). It also raises penalties for performing medical procedures or experiments without a veterinarian license. This bill directly affects individuals who commit these acts or conduct unauthorized veterinary procedures. The key change is elevating the legal consequence from potential jail time of up to one year and a $1,000 fine to felony charges.