News
Animal cruelty bill passes South Dakota House
The South Dakota House has passed a bill making animal cruelty a felony. The measure is now on its way to Governor Daugaard’s desk for his signature.
Until now, South Dakota has been the only state in which severe animal abuse is not considered a felony. Past legislative attempts to make it a felony have failed.
The measure stipulates that accepted livestock farming practices are not to be considered mistreatment or cruelty. Several stakeholders were heard when the proposed statute was being assembled, according to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairperson Shantel Krebs.
“We had everybody at the table,” she told Brownfield Ag News in an earlier interview. “We had all industry groups, pork producers, cattlemen, stock growers; they were all at the table and came to agreement that we wanted to be in control and how our wording and the updates and statutes were to be made. And that way we can say we did it, versus an outside interest group coming into South Dakota and taking control.”
Animal rights groups have pushed for years to make severe animal cruelty a felony. In addition to making animal cruelty a felony, SB46 provides for punishment of up to two years in prison and a $4,000 fine. Animal neglect, abandonment and mistreatment remain a misdemeanor under the bill.
-
-
It’s a good Law !
-
I pray with all my heart and sould that the governor signs this bill. Animal abuse is a grave cruelty that must demand considerable prison sentences and fines.
-
Everyone!must go to jail for animal cruelty!
-
It’s a Fact…Animal Cruelty is also Human Abuse…I say they should be eliminated from society. Some Humans should not have the gift of life. Humans are the most dangerous creature on earth…we’re too easy on the ones that do harm.
-
Please punish people who abuse and kill animals!
-
Please sign the bill and make your state the final state to make animal crulity a felony.
-
I’m ashamed that they are named ” human beings” I’m starting to hate people ….
-
Everyone!must go to jail for animal cruelty!
-
Than God. Let’s just hope now it doesn’t take a year for him 2 sign it.
Its a shame that people dont recognize suffering on all levels. Hopefully the governor will sign. shoulda been taken care of a long time ago. we see human progress snail along sometimes. but..still progress thank god. Thx to the groups of people that have seen this through