SD Senate Panel Looks At Animal Cruelty Measure
by Associated Press
February 12, 2013 7:43 AM
South Dakota lawmakers are taking a look at a measure that would make aggravated cruelty to dogs, cats and horses a felony.
The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee plans to hold a hearing on the bill Tuesday.
Animal rights groups have said South Dakota and North Dakota are the only states without felony penalties for animal mistreatment.
The bill would make it a felony carrying a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of $4,000 to mistreat, torture or be cruel to a dog, cat or horse.
The measure specifies that it does not apply to hunting, fishing, trapping, branding and any activities that are customary in farming and ranching.
