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HRS §711-1109.7

Deserting a pet or horse

This law makes it illegal to abandon a pet or horse. If you do, you face fines and possible jail time. If the animal dies or is badly hurt because of your abandonment, the penalties are higher. Each animal counts as a separate offense.

everyone

The statute, as written — Pet animal or equine animal desertion

(1) It shall be unlawful for the owner or any person in possession of any pet animal or equine animal to desert the pet animal or equine animal. (2) Any person who violates subsection (1) shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 in addition to any other penalties. (3) Any person who violates subsection (1) and recklessly causes the death of or substantial bodily injury to the pet animal or equine animal shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000 in addition to any other penalties. (4) Each pet animal or equine animal that is deserted in violation of subsection (1) or suffers death or substantial bodily injury as a result of a violation of subsection (1) shall constitute a separate offense. (5) For the purposes of this section, "desert" means to leave without the intent to return.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.