There are two semi-related topics in this one... The first is a bill (HB223) designed to regulate dog-breeding kennels to prevent abuse. The second, is a bill (HB22) that increases the penalty for animal cruelty.The Vindicator has the story about the kennel bill:
The bill includes about two dozen standards for animal care. It would prohibit the beating or brutalizing of animals or the confinement of dogs "if urine or feces have accumulated beyond an amount that is expected ... in a normal 12-hour period."State Senator Gary Cates is working on a similar bill in the Senate.
Breeders could not keep dogs in enclosures that don't allow the animals to "stand, turn around or lay down" without touching the sides and top of their cages or keep animals in unlighted areas during daytime hours. Enclosures would have to include a dry, insulated shelter and clean straw or other nontoxic bedding material and adequate fresh water and "wholesome food" on a daily basis.
Additionally, breeders would have to trim dogs' nails, regularly groom and provide appropriate medication and protection against fleas, ticks and other insects and worms.
I've been trading emails with State Rep. Courtney Combs' staff about HB22. The goal here is to make animal cruelty, which is currently a first degree misdemeanor, in to a class five felony. The effect of which will increase the likelihood of jail time for offenders. Legislators are being careful to make sure that animal cruelty is being treated as the serious crime that it is without prosecuting people at the same level as crimes against children.
