Advocates want tougher penalty for animal cruelty

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Animal advocates plan to start an initiative campaign to toughen North Dakota's penalties against animal cruelty.

Under current law, the most severe penalty for animal abuse is a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The proposed ballot measure would make cruelty to dogs, cats and horses a potential felony. Violations would have a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The proposal would give judges authority to order a mental evaluation in cruelty cases. People convicted of abuse could be barred from owning pets for five years.

Animal advocates tried to push a similar proposal through the Legislature last year. It was rejected.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund says North Dakota has one of the nation's most lenient punishments for animal cruelty.

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