Animal Cruelty Laws: Minimal
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Updated: April 17, 2007
The Humane Society in Rogers says they usually stay at full capacity with nearly 100 dogs that have been abandoned, beaten or neglected.
Humane Society Director Clay Morgan said, "Most of the animals that are being abused are unwanted pets."
Morgan said the problem could be fixed by spaying or neutering the animals. Another issue is getting stiffer laws. Right now the maximum penalty for animal cruelty is a misdemeanor.
If the penalties resulted in jail time or major fines, Morgan thinks people would be less likely to injure or neglect their animals.
The last time animal cruelty laws came up in the state legislature it didnt pass because the laws were too vague. Since the state of Arkansas is an agricultural one, many folks make their living off of livestock, so the laws must be specific or animal organizations like the Farm Bureau will oppose it.
State representative Doug Matayo told KNWA its up to the public to help pass stiffer laws. Matayo said if constituents make a big deal over the current animal cruelty laws more would be done in the state legislature.
