The measure, SB1665 HD1 CD1 (Act 114), signed today at the Hawaiian Humane Society, creates a felony offense for cruelty to animals.

The current law is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.

The new law adds a Class "C" felony of "cruelty to animals in the first-degree," punishable by up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

The bill also renames the existing misdemeanor provisions as "cruelty in the second-degree," which is punishable by a year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.

"Our pets are part of our families, providing us with unconditional love and companionship," Lingle said in a news release. "In return, we need to ensure that our pets are properly cared for and protected from cruelty and neglect."

Cruelty in the first degree occurs when a person "intentionally or knowingly tortures, mutilates or poisons or causes the torture, mutilation or poisoning of any pet animal resulting in serious bodily injury or death to the pet animal." The bill defines pets as dogs, cats, domesticated rabbits, guinea pigs, domesticated pigs, or caged birds that are not bred for consumption.

Cruelty in the second degree applies to "every living creature except a human being." It includes torturing, tormenting, beating, starving, overloading or intentionally driving over an animal.

Forty-two other states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands have felony cruelty animal laws. Hawai'i's new law takes effect immediately.