Requesting The Department Of Agriculture And Biosecurity And Department Of Law Enforcement To Increase Penalties And Enforcement Mechanisms For Dog Attacks On Livestock.
Summary
SCR 121 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Department of Law Enforcement to increase penalties and strengthen enforcement mechanisms related to dog attacks on livestock. The resolution frames livestock production as important to the state’s economy, food security, and land stewardship, and emphasizes that uncontrolled dogs can harass, injure, or kill livestock, causing serious losses to producers.
The measure does not itself change statutory law or create new penalties. Instead, it is a formal request to executive agencies to review and improve how dog attacks on livestock are addressed, including both punishment and enforcement. It also directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the director of law enforcement, signaling legislative concern and urging agency action.
Impact
Because SCR 121 is a concurrent resolution, it has no direct legal effect on Hawaii statutes, criminal penalties, or agency authority unless followed by later legislation or administrative action. Its practical impact would be to encourage the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Department of Law Enforcement to consider stronger deterrents, better enforcement procedures, and possibly policy or legislative proposals addressing dog attacks on livestock. The resolution primarily affects livestock producers, dog owners, and the agencies responsible for animal-related enforcement.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears supportive and protective of livestock producers. The bill text presents dog attacks on livestock as a serious economic and emotional harm and frames the requested action as a response to a real problem affecting rural and agricultural communities. No committee transcripts or votes were provided, so there is no recorded opposition or amendment debate in the available materials.
Contention
The main point of contention, based on the resolution’s framing, would likely be how far to increase penalties and what enforcement mechanisms are appropriate. Potential concerns could include balancing livestock protection against dog owners’ rights, the practicality of enforcement in rural areas, and whether stronger penalties should be directed at owners of uncontrolled dogs, at repeat offenders, or through broader animal control measures. However, no specific objections, amendments, or divided votes are available in the provided record.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Agriculture And Biosecurity And Department Of Law Enforcement To Increase Penalties And Enforcement Mechanisms For Dog Attacks On Livestock.
Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Identify Existing Departmental Lands That Are Unsuitable For Agricultural Use But May Be Utilized As Pet Animal Sanctuaries.
Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Identify Existing Departmental Lands That Are Unsuitable For Agricultural Use But May Be Utilized As Pet Animal Sanctuaries.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Transfer Active Agricultural Land Leases Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To The Department Of Agriculture To Support Agriculture In The State.