Blogging About Critters Since 2007

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

New Animal Torture Law in Utah Passes House

It may soon be a felony to torture companion animals in Utah. Too bad it won't cover feral cats and dogs. Or other non-companion animals. The bill was a compromise between pro and anti torture advocates in the legislature.

And here is how torture is defined:

The bill defines torture as ''intentionally or knowingly causing or inflicting extreme physical pain to an animal in an especially heinous, atrocious, cruel, or exceptionally depraved manner."

That's setting the bar pretty high there. What's extreme? Is beating a dog with a plastic baseball bat "heinous, atrocious, cruel or depraved"? How about swinging a cat by the tail?

And why is it only companion animals. If someone catches a stray cat and microwaves it, are they only going to be charged with a misdemeanor?

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