"Puppy Torture" Bill Gains Support from Staunch Opponent

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Animal rights advocates have a new supporter in one of their staunchest foes. State Senator Allen Christensen repeatedly voted against a bill that would make animal torture a felony offense. Now he's planning to sponsor the very same measure with one exception. He wants the felony to kick in on the second offense, rather than the first:

"There's some creepy people who deserve more than a misdemeanor," says Christensen. "If people are truly hard core animal torturers, than one isn't going to be sufficient. They'll get caught a second time and they'll get hit."

Christensen is an avid hunter and had opposed the so-called "puppy torture" bill previously because he worried it could inadvertently snare someone who doesn't intend to torture an animal. No More Homeless Pets President Gregory Castle says he welcomes Christensen's support, but believes there are plenty of exceptions in the measure to ensure only true

"Agricultural type situations and hunting, too," says Castle. "I think there have been a lot of exclusions made and I think there's always going to be interpretation issues. I just don't feel that's a strong enough argument to warrant knocking it down to a second offense."

On the last night of the 2007 General Session, the animal torture bill passed both the House and Senate before running out of time on a technicality. The sponsoring legislator has filed a request to bring it back in 2008. Senator Christensen is less certain and plans to run his version - with the felony on second offense - as an alternative he thinks will ultimately trump the original.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2009 KCPW