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Richard Piatt ReportingThe Utah Legislature takes on abuse against animals. A bill that would make animal abuse a felony in Utah sailed through a House committee today.
There is a theory that people who abuse animals also abuse people. Here, and across the nation, that theory is leading to harsher laws for people who are mean to pets.
In a graphic statement for what many say is a graphic and serious crime, a billboard makes the point about animal cruelty and it's wider implications for society.
On Capitol Hill a House committee agreed, voting to make animal cruelty--specifically the torture of animals--a felony.
Rep. Scott Wyatt, (R) Logan: "Serious abuse against any living thing leads to serious abuse against any other living thing in any direction."
The bill is not meant to target situations like the Pleasant Grove cockfighting operation that was in the news this week. Instead, it addresses cases like that of a Provo man back in 1995. He pleaded guilty to stomping his rottweiler puppy to death in front of two young children, and dumping. His sentence was community service.
In much more extreme cases, experts point out that criminals like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer also tortured animals as children.
Cheryl Smith, Supports Animal Cruelty Bill: "It's beyond what we can comprehend as acceptable. I don't even know, it's a psychological deviance, it's a sign of a disturbed person."
Right now prosecutions of animal abuse cases are relatively rare, although some hope news of the stricter law will boost the reporting of such crimes. Last year the bill was on its way to a favorable vote in the House, but lawmakers ran out of time. Its sponsor expects it to pass at least the full House this time.
