The HSUS Applauds Utah Legislature For Cracking Down on Animal Cruelty, Urges Governor to Sign Felony Animal Cruelty Bill Into Law

March 4, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States commends the Utah legislature for passing a bill today that would make egregious acts of cruelty to a companion animal a felony. The organization urges Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. to sign the bill into law.

S.B. 297, sponsored by Utah Sen. Allen Christensen, R-19, is the result of a multi-year attempt to enact felony-level penalties in the state for some forms of animal cruelty. In the 2007 legislative session, the legislature came close to passing "Henry's Law," but the session ended before two versions could be reconciled. The legislature tried again to come to an agreement during a special summer legislative session but was unable to reach a compromise. Henry's Law was named in honor of a Chihuahua-mix puppy who was placed in a 200-degree oven during a domestic dispute. S.B. 297 would make the torture of a companion animal a third-degree felony on the first offense.

The Humane Society of the United States praised legislators for arriving at this compromise and strengthening penalties for animal cruelty. Along with Christensen, The HSUS thanked House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-49, for his support, as well as Sen. Gene Davis, D-3, a longtime leader on this issue, and Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-19, both of whom also sponsored felony animal cruelty legislation this year. 

"We are happy the Utah legislature has made such an important step toward protecting the state's animals. We are hopeful Governor Huntsman follows suit by signing off on this important piece of humane legislation," said Dave Pauli, The HSUS' Northern Rockies regional office director. 

The effort to increase penalties was supported by veterinarians, prosecutors, law enforcement, domestic violence organizations and animal advocates. If the bill is made law, Utah would become the 44th state to have felony-level animal cruelty penalties on the books.

Last year, state legislatures across the country passed 86 new laws for animals. The HSUS works with animal advocates and state legislators across the country to enact laws protecting animals from cruelty, combating animal fighting, halting wildlife abuse and more. 

-30-

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.