It's about time
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.




Comments
Dear ADC commissioners, Ark Sheriffs Assoc and County Judges:
Notice for immediate action: build some extra confinement facilities.
Our short-sighted, stupid legislature failed to provide rehabilitation wording in our animal cruelty bill. It passed up a wonderful opportunity to educate-rehabilitate those who are truly in desperate need of treatment.
Posted by: eLwood
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January 8, 2009 03:27 PM
Cats, dogs & horses - what about box turtles?
Seriously, did they limit it to these species because they feared Sheriff Billy Joe and Prosecuting Attorney Joe Bill would be bringing charges against all the chicken farmers around the state? How ludicrous.
Posted by: 70%er
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January 8, 2009 04:08 PM
Let's see, we need a felony law for cruelty to animals but it is ok to kill a baby in its mother's womb. Yea, that sounds like our culture. What's next? How about stringing the animal cruelty offenders up to the nearest tree? That would make sense in a culture that disposes of aborted babies like they were garbage.
Posted by: strangelove
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January 8, 2009 04:50 PM
Advice to Dusty McD: Don't hurt yourself patting yourself on your back for trying to bring Arkansas into the 20th Century.
Posted by: Starguy7
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January 8, 2009 07:38 PM