The compromise document that emerged took a pared-down approach to the issue, compared with earlier proposals, leaving current Utah code on animal cruelty essentially unaltered, but creating a single, very specific instance in which a third-degree felony punishment can be levied. In addition to the statute's pertinence only to dogs and cats, the definition of torture leaves little room for inference, limiting it to acts of "intentionally or knowingly causing or inflicting extreme physical pain to an animal in an especially heinous, atrocious, cruel or exceptionally depraved manner."

The simplified bill, SB297, gave animal rights groups their felony penalty and created no new "wrinkles" that could be used against Utah livestock growers.

With stakeholder support and the backing of legislative power brokers, the bill cruised easily through both houses, garnering only minor grumbling about the relative severity of a third-degree felony sentence (up to five years in prison).

Gene Baierschmidt, director of the Utah Humane Society, said the voice of the people was the real motivator for action.

"We think the voters' e-mails and phone calls to representatives made a huge difference," Baierschmidt said. "They let legislators know that they wanted the law."

Baierschmidt, who spent many days at the Capitol lobbying lawmakers and following legislation, said he was exhausted, but pleased with the bill's passage.

"We're ecstatic about it," Baierschmidt said. "It's a statement about how we regard dogs and cats in our society ... and shows that we, as a society, are trying to move away from violence."

Christensen also was pleased with closure on this particular bill.

"I can't tell you how happy I am about it," Christensen said. "I've got lots of other things that need my attention."

SB297 becomes law upon signing by the governor, who has already voiced his support for the legislation.

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E-mail: araymond@desnews.com