Arkansas Blog

Sources say the Attorney General's office will hold a press conference Wednesday at noon to announce the filing of the much-talked-about animal cruelty bill that has been in the works for roughly a year.  Arkansas is currently one of only five states without a felony charge for animal cruelty.  Lawmakers, animal protection groups and others involved in crafting the legislation will be present for the announcement.  When asked about the details of the event, the AG's office said they had reserved the old Supreme Court room at the Capitol for a press announcement, but added they were not ready to confirm or deny the purpose of that announcement.  McDaniel has said the bill would be filed next week. 

The bill would make aggravated assault of a cat, dog or horse a first-offense felony.  It also includes increasingly stiff punishments for misdemeanor offenses, with the fourth misdemeanor resulting in felony charges.  Sen. Sue Madison, D-Fayetteville, and Rep. Pam Adcock, D-Little Rock, will sponsor the bill.  Sen. Madison confirmed that the bill would be filed on Wednesday morning.