Initiative Would Make Some Animal Cruelty A Felony

A national group says North Dakota has some of the nation's weakest laws against animal cruelty, and a group of activists wants to change that.

 

 

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A national group says North Dakota has some of the nation's weakest laws against animal cruelty, and a group of activists wants to change that.

They have gathered signatures for a ballot measure that would make cruelty against dogs, cats and horses a felony crime.

Supporters of the measure say they'll turn in their petitions to Secretary of State Al Jaeger on Tuesday.

They believe they have enough names to get a spot on the November ballot.

North Dakota has laws against mistreating animals, but the stiffest punishment for breaking them is a misdemeanor.

It carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The proposed ballot measure would make cruelty against cats, dogs and horses a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

(KFGO file photo)

 

AP

   

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