Published: Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 3:13 p.m.
Idaho House panel OKs Senate animal cruelty bill
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BOISE, Idaho -- A House committee has approved a measure that would saddle repeat animal cruelty offenders in Idaho with a felony conviction.
The House Agricultural Committee voted Wednesday to approve the measure, which would make a third animal-cruelty conviction in 15 years a felony crime.
Idaho Cattle Association President-elect Lee Bradshaw says people who routinely harm their animals should face tougher penalties.
The livestock industry-backed legislation was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate, but was considered weak by animal rights groups seeking a stricter ballot initiative.
The state House passed a bill earlier Wednesday that could apply felony charges to people who commit multiple acts of animal torture and for organizers of gamecock fights where drugs and gambling are present.
Either bill would be the first felony animal cruelty law in Idaho.
The House Agricultural Committee voted Wednesday to approve the measure, which would make a third animal-cruelty conviction in 15 years a felony crime.
Idaho Cattle Association President-elect Lee Bradshaw says people who routinely harm their animals should face tougher penalties.
The livestock industry-backed legislation was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate, but was considered weak by animal rights groups seeking a stricter ballot initiative.
The state House passed a bill earlier Wednesday that could apply felony charges to people who commit multiple acts of animal torture and for organizers of gamecock fights where drugs and gambling are present.
Either bill would be the first felony animal cruelty law in Idaho.
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