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Marc Giauque reporting Animal advocates will make a new attempt this year to make animal torture a felony in Utah, and they're getting some help from around the nation.
Lawmakers already have been receiving phone calls urging them to change the law.
Gene Baierschmidt, of the Humane Society of Utah, says the National Humane Society has even hired a full-time lobbyist. "This is starting to draw a lot of national attention because, like I've said, we're one of only seven states that doesn't have this, where you can intentionally torture an animal and it's only a misdemeanor," he said.
Baierschmidt says his group is embarking on a $25,000 ad campaign that will include about a half-dozen billboards.
Among other things, opponents question the parity of such a law, when compared with some crimes against humans.
Henry's law will be back before the Utah Legislature this session.
