Davis also made an attempt to substitute a compromise bill for Christensen's during Senate floor debate last Thursday, but was unsuccessful. The Senate passed SB117 on a 15-14 vote, with Senate President Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, casting the final and deciding vote.

HB470, sponsored by Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, was introduced on the same day that SB117 squeaked out of the Senate, and was yet another attempt to establish a first offense felony, but appease dissenting interests. Allen's bill was held in a committee hearing on Monday after concerns were expressed by committee members — and a representative from the Utah Farm Bureau — that her proposal could create issues for the Utah agriculture industry.

Gene Baierschmidt from the Utah Humane Society is pleased that a compromise has been reached and has his fingers crossed that it will not run into opposition.

"We see no reason why any faction would fight this bill," Baierschmidt said. "There shouldn't be anybody that has a problem."

Baierschmidt said that, while the new proposed bill is a compromise, it addresses the issue most important to his group and doesn't weaken current code.

"We like it because if a dog or cat is tortured, it's a felony on the first offense," Baierschmidt said. "This bill will bring Utah more in line with laws in other states."

The new bill is expected to be introduced Thursday in the Senate.

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E-mail: araymond@desnews.com