AK House Majority
Related Info   Stay up to Date
Sign up to receive E-Mail updates
E-News BOMs
Rep. Bob Lynn


The 26th Alaska State Legislature, 2009 - 2010  Share This Page on Facebook Email This Sponsor Statement Print Friendly Version  Majority RSS Feeds
Sponsor Statement: House Bill 6

Cruelty To Animals/Sentencing

Signed Into Law! Chapter 79 SLA 10
Sponsored by Rep. Bob Lynn
Co-Sponsors: Rep. Dahlstrom, Rep. Tuck, Rep. Gatto, Sen. Wielechowski, Sen. Ellis
Ak Legislative MajorityAk Legislative Majority
Rep. Bob Lynn R-23
Ak Legislative Majority

Rep. Bob Lynn (R-23)
Chair, (H) STA Com.
Ak Majority Organization

Ak Majority Organization

“Relating to cruelty to animals; and relating to aggravating factors at sentencing involving assaultive behavior and cruelty to animals.”


Posted: February 26, 2009
Bill Version: SCS CSHB 6(JUD)
Status: Chapter 79 SLA 10 : 2010-06-15


HB 6 expands the current Alaska law on cruelty to animals to include "sexual conduct." The primary purpose of this bill is not just to protect animals from sexual assault but to protect children and other vulnerable humans.

A compelling body of research confirms a link between animal cruelty and human violence. Studies also point to a connection involving sexual abuse and conduct with animals. For example:

High rates of sexual abuse of animals exist in the backgrounds of serial sexual homicide perpetrators, according to the FBI.

Ninety-six percent of juvenile offenders who engaged in sex with animals also admitted to sex offenses against humans, according to a 2002 study by Fleming, Jory and Burton.

Sexual relations with animals parallel sexual assault against women and children, because in both instances there are issues of coercion, pain, and lack of consent, according to a 1997 study by Piers Beirne, a criminology professor at the University of Southern Maine.

Thirty five other states outlaw acts of bestiality, with many of them classifying it as a felony, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Several states have language almost identical to HB 6.

This proposed "sexual conduct" offense would be a Class A misdemeanor, added to AS 11.61.140, Cruelty to Animals. This statute includes commonsense exemptions for conduct ranging from scientific research governed by accepted standards, to accepted veterinary and animal husbandry practices.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

2009-04-17 : [AUDIO] Rep. Lynn Explains that Research has Established a Link between Animal Cruality and Violence Against Women and Children
•  Download Audio  [MP3:313KB]




# # #
Share |