Felony charges for animal cruelty one step closer

Cruelty and torture to animals is one step closer to eliciting abusers felony charges as the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee passed HB242 with a favorable recommendation.

Bill sponsor Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, said it further clarifies definitions associated with animal cruelty and adds an enhancement penalty for committing the crime in the presence of a minor.

"We're redefining punishment for conduct," he said. All of the Western states, with the exception of Idaho, have such statutes already in effect.

Wyatt said his goal is to ultimately attain an "abuse-free society." HB242 was drafted with intent to send out a message of deterrence and to get people who commit the crime, the help they need in order to protect society. He said research suggests that people who abuse animals are more likely to abuse humans.

"This is important legislation, not just for animals that are abused, but for humans as well . . . Hopefully it will be looked at as a human right's issue," said Cheryl Smith, executive director of Wasatch Humane.

Cruelty and torture to animals is one step closer to eliciting abusers felony charges as the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee passed HB242 with a favorable recommendation.

Bill sponsor Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, said it further clarifies definitions associated with animal cruelty and adds an enhancement penalty for committing the crime in the presence of a minor.

"We're redefining punishment for conduct," he said. All of the Western states, with the exception of Idaho, have such statutes already in effect.

Wyatt said his goal is to ultimately attain an "abuse-free society." HB242 was drafted with intent to send out a message of deterrence and to get people who commit the crime, the help they need in order to protect society. He said research suggests that people who abuse animals are more likely to abuse humans.

"This is important legislation, not just for animals that are abused, but for humans as well . . . hopefully it will be looked at as a human right's issue," said Cheryl Smith, executive director of Wasatch Humane.