The state House of Representatives gave strong bipartisan approval Monday to a bill that would strengthen penalties for the most egregious acts of animal cruelty in Washington.
Republican State Representative Sam Low says current law falls short because the abuse of multiple animals may be treated as if just one animal was harmed.
“Skagit County, unfortunately, had a case where four hundred and forty-three dogs were removed from a puppy mill. Many of them were abused, neglected, deceased. And the standard sentencing for this was the same as if you pretty much did one animal.”
Low’s House Bill 1961 would classify all acts of animal cruelty in the first degree as a seriousness level 3 offense.
“Animal cruelty in the first degree is already a Class C felony. And elevating it to a ranked crime would add it to the Sentencing Guidelines grid, creating consistency for judges, for prosecutors, and defense attorneys.”
The bill passed 95 to 1. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
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