The Washington state legislature unanimously passed a bill that will make animal neglect a felony; previously it was just a misdemeanor. Animal cruelty, which has been a felony in Washington since 1994, will have its definition expanded to include starving, dehydrating, or suffocating an animal. The governor is expected to sign the bill.
"It matters a lot to us if animals are suffering and we want to put a stop to it," Steinway [co-founder of an animal rescue group who fought for the legislation] said. "These agencies don't have the money to pursue animal abuses. We do it because we care.
"Before, neglect wasn't taken seriously. Even though you had good evidence, it was a misdemeanor -- not important," he said. "Now, it will be worth law enforcement's while to pursue."
Bravo! Makes me glad to call Washington State my home.
Posted by: Laurens | May 03, 2005 at 11:45 AM