HANK Act

Purpose:

Los Santos County shelters have become riddled with animals needing homes within a city of citizens willing to open their arms to these animals & take them home. This legislation will allow the adoption of these domesticated animals given the citizen meets the correct requirements to be a pet owner.

Scope:

All Citizens of Los Santos

Constitutional Justification:

Right to Property: Citizens have the right to own material possessions and land, provided it does not infringe on others and their rights.

Details:

To qualify for ownership, the following conditions must be met:

1. The individual must own either an apartment or a residential property in order to be eligible for feline or canine ownership.
2. Citizens are required to obtain a license for the ownership of domesticated animals in accordance with county law.

For the safety of Los Santos citizens and the well-being of the animals within the city, the following requirements must be met upon the establishment of animal ownership:

1. Citizens must register the animal and file an adoption form with the county
2. Citizens must pay an “Adoption Fee” to the county, amounting to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000+), in addition to the cost of the animal.
3. Citizens are required to ensure that their animals receive monthly veterinary examinations by a certified veterinary technician. Proof of these visits must be provided to the county. Failure to comply may result in the animal being seized by Animal Control.

This legislation will include Non-Domesticated animals under strict criteria of ownership includes:

1. Individuals seeking to own a non-domesticated animal & Farm Animals in the county of Los Santos must submit an application for an Exotic Animal Permit, which must be approved by the appropriate county authority.
2. Upon approval, the animal must be registered with the county of Los Santos. If the animal weighs over forty (40) pounds, the owner must provide proof of a suitable residence capable of safely housing the animal. Additionally, owners must ensure that their animals receive monthly veterinary examinations by a certified veterinary technician, with proof of such visits submitted to the county. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the seizure of the animal by Animal Control.
3. An Exotic Pet Fee, set by the county, must be paid in addition to the animal’s cost.

Police Canines operating under the Los Santos Police Department shall be subject to the same standards of animal ownership as county above. In Addition, They will be considered full law enforcement officers. They shall be afforded the same legal protections and status as law enforcement officers, including but not limited to the following:

1. Any act causing bodily injury to these animals shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law

Penalties:

Failure to meet the requisite criteria for animal ownership shall result in the following actions:

1. The animal will be seized by Animal Control & Returned to the county Shelter.
2. Upon violation of pet ownership regulations, the pet license will be revoked, and the individual must reapply in accordance with current requirements.
3. The individual will be subject to penalties, including fines and incarceration, as determined by the Los Santos Police Department in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
4. Individuals found causing harm to any domesticated animal shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Implementation of Legislation:

This legislation will take effect upon passing and regulatory screening and current approval processes.

Conclusion:

This legislation ensures that pet ownership in Los Santos is conducted responsibly, safeguarding both citizens and animals. By establishing clear requirements and penalties, it promotes a safe and caring environment for all pets within the city.

Signatures

Nino Chavez

Los Santos Mayor’s Office

August 10, 2024

Underwriter:

LSCMO, Tilly Winters 10 AUG 2024