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(KSL TV) Members of the Utah Humane Society and others have launched a campaign to bring harsher penalties for people who torture and kill animals.
A rally on Utah's capitol hill kicked off a signature drive to draw attention to animal cruelty in Utah.
The petition could put the issue before voters: Should animal cruelty call for stiffer charges--up to a third degree felony.
Animal rights advocates say that those who harm animals often move their violence from animals to people.
Frank Ascione, Ph.D./Animal Cruelty Specialist: "VERY CLEARLY, INDIVIDUALS WHO COMMIT THESE OFFENSES ARE AT HIGHER RISK FOR COMMITING OFFENSES THAT HUMAN BEINGS ARE IN DANGER OF."
Animal abuse is currently a misdemeanor in Utah -- it is considered a felony in 40 other states.
The sponsors of this petition need 76,000 signatures in order to get the measure on the ballot.
