From Deseret News archives:
Special 'Henry' session sought
The group, formed last fall, established a Web site called helpushelpthem.org to garner public support for the movement. Although animal advocates have pushed for years for legislation increasing the penalty for certain acts of animal cruelty, it gathered steam last fall because of Henry.
The small mixed-breed dog was placed in a 200-degree oven for five minutes by the now ex-husband of Rhonda Kamper. Henry, who suffered burns, also lost his eye after an attack with a leaf blower.
Proponents want Utah lawmakers to make certain cases of egregious animal cruelty such as a torture a third-degree felony, arguing that animal abuse may lead to abuse of people in the future.
Studies have been done supporting that contention, including research by a Utah State University professor. Frank Ascione published one study that showed that 71 percent of women in a Utah shelter for domestic violence victims said their partner had threatened or hurt the woman's pet.
Henry's abuser was charged with a Class A misdemeanor and served a little more than four months in jail.
The oven incident prompted her to leave him, seek a divorce and gain a protective order.
Kamper and her supporters argue a felony provision would allow a judge the discretion to impose tougher sanctions, including possibly prison and stiffer fines. It would also act as a deterrent and impose prohibitions on owning firearms. Utah is one of nine states in the country that lacks such a provision.
Critics, particularly lawmakers, worry that elevating animal cruelty to a felony could be misapplied to include accepted animal husbandry practices, activities that go on zoos, veterinarians' offices and interactions among hunters and game.
Supporters say such exemptions were included in the failed measure.
On Monday, another Salt Lake County man is scheduled to be in court on misdemeanor allegations he abused kittens to gain the attention of his girlfriend. Several kittens were injured, including some who had tails scalded or broken.
E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com
Comments
- Oil falls below $79 7:53 a.m.
- Stocks open lower 7:53 a.m.
- Iranian Consulate fatally shot 7:49 a.m.
- AP poll: Family dinner survives 7:47 a.m.
- Palestinian election may be called off 7:45 a.m.
- Balloon boy parents to plead guilty 7:44 a.m.
- Intel to pay AMD $1.25B settlement 7:42 a.m.
- Jobless claims fall to 502K 7:40 a.m.
- Obama to want revised war options 7:39 a.m.
- Will state consider gay rights law? 7:11 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- Crash kills Utah County man
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Will state consider gay rights law?
- Long days for BYU interns
- House passes health care bill
288 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
251 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
101 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
100
This week, I'm compiling my annual list of restaurants serving...
re Bob | 8:03 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009 "As a property owner I should have the...
the vocal, ignorant in this case, minority who say Sloan is part of the...
I like RSL and what it brings to Utah, I love the World Cup and is one of...
you are right BYU was not in the same class this year as TCU, but you were...
He has been so great and fun to watch in the NCAA Tournament. I really think...
I hope both teams play hard. I know SJ has hit the weights in the offseason...
Ya, it's tough when an athletic team like Utah wins the conference last year,...
Boozer's mouth and previous statements are an issue mostly with the fans and...
We all know that there are no U fans, just BYU haters. Wouldn't is be nice...
A successful conclusion to a war means the enemy is no longer capable of...



You can be the first to comment on this story.