All Roll Calls
Yes: 61 • No: 0
DelawareHB 134153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY.
Sponsored By: Jeffrey N. Spiegelman (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher fines for breaking animal ownership bans
In Delaware, violating an animal-possession ban tied to a misdemeanor cruelty conviction carries a $1,000 fine. Repeat violations of that ban carry a $2,500 fine. Violating a ban tied to a felony cruelty conviction carries a $5,000 fine. Repeat violations of that ban carry a $10,000 fine.
Repeat animal cruelty brings felony penalties
In Delaware, after two misdemeanor animal-cruelty violations, another offense normally treated as a misdemeanor becomes a class F felony. After one felony animal-cruelty violation, another offense normally treated as a felony becomes a class E felony.
Repeat cruelty convictions extend animal ownership bans
A second or later misdemeanor animal-cruelty conviction in Delaware bars animal ownership or possession for 10 years after conviction. That 10-year ban has no exception for animal-related resale businesses. A second felony animal-cruelty conviction bars animal ownership or possession for life.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jeffrey N. Spiegelman
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Frank Burns
Democratic • House
Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate
Daniel B. Short
Republican • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House
Josue O Ortega
Democratic • House
Trey Paradee
Democratic • Senate
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 7/1/2026
Passed (SM required)
Yes: 20 • No: 0
House vote • 6/18/2026
Passed (SM required)
Yes: 41 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor
7/23/2026GovernorPassed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
7/1/2026SenateReported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
6/24/2026SenateAssigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate
6/18/2026SenatePassed By House. Votes: 41 YES
6/18/2026HouseReported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 7 On Its Merits
1/21/2026HouseIntroduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House
5/6/2025House
Bill Text
Current
5/6/2025
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