In the news, August 2008... Jonesboro AR: Cat mutilation of family pets in Griffen Park; Wynne AR: Kitten set on fire. U.S. Humane Society puts up $2500 reward for information leading to the person responsible, also area residents raise amount to $3500 through donations (note: 16 year old confesses and says he did it as a joke); Hasty AR: puppies stomped to death, cattle prods used and they video taped the whole thing.

This breaks my heart and I can't believe anyone could be so cruel and crazy!

Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine.

Gov. Mike Beebe is in favor of tougher laws. Beebe thinks it should be considered a first offense felony. On his radio talk program, Beebe said he thinks there will be support for a felony animal cruelty law when the legislature convenes next year. "The pressure is mounting on lawmakers for a animal-cruelty legislation and I predict a tough, realistic animal cruelty law will be for forthcoming."

Gov. Beebe was fundamental in trying to get this law changed during the 2007 session (two measures to strengthen penalties failed to get final legislative approval in the regular session last year).

Act 1 AR Animal-Cruelty Act #1 ballot measure proposes sought to amend this act by making it known torture, mutilation, maiming, burning, poisoning, malicious, killing, starving, disfiguring of any animal is a crime known as aggravated animal cruelty. This offense would then become a Class D felony subject to enumerated penalties, including psychological

counseling and forfeiture of animal in question. AR law also prohibits dog fights, dying of baby chicks, unlawful bear exploitation, anti-cruelty and animal fighting provisions. This measure failed to pass at the polls with 38% voting yes and 62% voting no.

If we don't protect these animals, who will? Animals cannot defend themselves and if they do, they are put down. Animal cruelty is a heinous crime and should be dealt with as a felony. There are so many passages in the Bible that talks about animal abuse, but Proverbs 12:10 states "Good people are kind to their animals, but a mean person is cruel". No one should get a second chance to torment animals.

According to the Humane Society, Arkansas is one of only five states that is without a felony animal cruelty law. We should encourage our legislators to get behind efforts to change that and treat animal abusers as the criminals they are. Let us know what you think, blog and email and please notify our government with your opinions.