He said he is nervous that such legislation might be used by animal rights activists to victimize farmers. "I shudder to think doors we open up when we make it a felony."

Peterson said his constituents haven't pressed him to support stiffer animal cruelty laws. "The non-contact speaks volumes."

Gene Baierschmidt, the Utah Humane Society's executive director, said creating a felony provision would spur prosecutors to act more aggressively.

He said Utah is one of only nine states that don't have felony laws regarding animal mistreatment.

He said what happened to Henry should merit more serious punishment. "There's a high correlation between domestic violence, child abuse and animal abuse."

Baierschmidt thinks if legislators understand the bill it has a decent chance of passing. "It's an animal cruelty bill, not an animal rights bill," he said.

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E-mail: smansell@desnews.com