**Update** 03/11/2008 : HB22, a bill that would have made animal cruelty a felony in Ohio has died in committee. The Bill has been replaced by a domestic violence bill, HB418. This new bill addresses the problem of animals being used to psychologically abuse people. This is necessary legislation but the penalty for companion animal abuse in HB418 remains a misdemeanor. We must continue to demand tougher penalties for animal cruelty in Ohio until it becomes a felony. PLEASE take a moment to write to Ohio legislators through this link
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For Immediate Release: August 24, 2007
Contact: Rep. Brian Williams (614) 644-5085
Jarrod Weiss, Rep. Combs’ Office (614) 644-6721
State Reps. Combs and Williams Propose Tougher Animal Cruelty Laws
Legislation attempts to establish link between animal cruelty and domestic violence
Show Your Support For This Bill
COLUMBUS – In an attempt to
crack down on animal cruelty cases in Ohio, Representatives Courtney Combs
(R-54th District) and Brian Williams (D-41st District)
introduced legislation today that will increase the penalties of animal cruelty
from a misdemeanor to a felony.
The legislation also makes an
effort to strengthen the link between animal cruelty and domestic abuse. As an
addition to H.B. 22 – a separate animal cruelty bill sponsored by Williams – the
bill does the following:
Increases the penalty of animal cruelty from a second-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony
Makes each subsequent act a third-degree felony
Requires those who commit acts of animal cruelty 15 years of age and younger to undergo psychological evaluation for a period of no less than six months
Increases penalties in cases of animal cruelty in conjunction with domestic violence disputes, depending on the case’s severity
Gives pet owners the option of adding their pet(s) to a protection order.
“Cruelty and abuse against
animals that could not otherwise defend themselves is unthinkable,” Combs said.
“By increasing penalties and establishing a link between animal abuse and
domestic violence, we are sending a message on how important this issue is to
Ohioans. Animal abusers must be treated as what they really are – cold-hearted
criminals.”
This legislation has no affect
on breeders’ standards such as ear and tail clipping, farming practices or
hunting.
“This bill specifically
addresses cases in which animals are targeted unnecessarily for gratuitous abuse
and does not interfere with legitimate practices,” Williams said. “The FBI has
labeled animal abuse as a predictor of future crimes, including spousal
battering, rape and murder. We want to see people who abuse animals punished so
both people and animals can be safe.”
The legislation has received
bipartisan support. Both representatives are currently asking for co-sponsorship
and expect the bill to receive a committee hearing this fall.