Update (May, 2014): This bill failed to pass before the end of the session, and is now dead.
Bill Description:
Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act to increase the penalties for convictions of cruel treatment, aggravated cruelty, and animal torture. It changes the penalties for different violations from misdemeanors to felonies, or from one class of felony to a more severe class.[teaserbreak]
Background:
Strengthening penalties for animal torture could help deter abuse of wildlife and exotic animals, both in the wild and in captivity. While this bill does not fully address the inhumanity of keeping animals in captivity (such as in zoos), it is a step in the right direction. Read our Ten Fast Facts on exotics in captivity for more info.
Read the full text here.