Bill Takes Aim At Animal Mistreatment In ND

Supporters of a bill in the Legislature to strengthen North Dakota's animal cruelty laws say it's a more balanced approach than a measure rejected by state voters last November.

 

 

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Supporters of a bill in the Legislature to strengthen North Dakota's animal cruelty laws say it's a more balanced approach than a measure rejected by state voters last November.

The ballot measure would have made cruelty to dogs, cats and horses a potential felony crime rather than a misdemeanor. Opponents objected to its backing by out-of-state groups and feared it could have affected routine practices by farmers and ranchers.

Senate Bill 2211 would make animal cruelty a felony. In cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment, a first offense would be a misdemeanor and a second within five years a felony.

North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care Chairman Jason Schmidt says the bill is the result of two years of work by veterinarians, agriculture and animal groups, and local humane societies.

(KFGO News file photo)

 

AP

   

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