State Rep. Courtney Combs is a co-sponsor of House Bill 22 which proposes to make cruelty to animals a class five felony. Currently, this offense is classified as a second degree misdemeanor.The FBI has released research that indicates that there is a link between violent crime against animals and violent crimes against humans.
The FOX News affiliate in Cleveland caught up with the bill's sponsors, who had this to say:
"The FBI has labeled animal abuse as a predictor of future crimes, including spousal battering, rape and murder," said HB 22 sponsor, Rep. Brian Williams D-41st District.The legislation is expected to hit the table this fall.
Co-sponsor Courtney Combs, R-54th District said, "Animal abusers must be treated as what they really are, cold hearted criminals."
Exit question: If enacted, what is the effect on sentencing for those who are convicted of this heinous crime?
