I really hope that the legislature doesn't make it a felony to abuse an animal. Although reprehensible, crimes against animals pale in comparison to crimes against humans. Our law enforcement officers and courts have better things to do than prosecute these people. We have criminals more worthy of our crowded prisons than those who have done nothing but hurt an animal.

Dogs and cats are good to eat but should not be tortured in the process.

My only concern is that on occasion I have had to shoot dogs with a BB gun to keep them from using my lawn as a toilet. At times anamial control has not been very effective. Would this law prevent that? And if so, I encourage this law not be passed until it is modified.

The reason they have come to a compromise is be cause of mean spirited threats from house leader Greg Curtis. The newspaper should look into the fact that Curtis is a tyrant and has threatened others if this doesn't pass.

The first three comments demonstrate the lack of compassion and empathy shown towards animals, - particularly companion animals. These sentient beings suffer the abuses of human beings. It's time we said NO to physical abuse of any sort directed at humans and their companions.

There are more important issues in our courts than to deal with cruelty and torture? What's the matter with you?!

Is it ok to BB a little child when they destroy the flowers in your yard? Wake up!

Cruelty is cruelty. Pain is pain. Disgusting treatment of animals is unacceptable. Yes, we need stricter laws because the stupidity of mankind, such has been demonstrated, requires protections and penalities because so many humans don't yet know that inflicting terrible abuses is wrong under any circumstances.

Define 'torture'.

When I look at this bill I see me with a felony conviction because as a teen over 40 years ago I struggled to keep the neighbors' cats from eating my pigeons. This bill will make felons of far too many of Utah's youth.

The definitions of torture are in the first part of each of the bills. Of course the definition we see is only part of it, and the billl will have to still pass the test of the judiciary before we will know how effective it really is. As it stands now, and with so many people trading on Henry the dog, everyone needs to read the bill, and see for themselves. When stories like this come out-before we can actually read the verbage-they are generally just looking for the constituency to not investigate-they'd rather them just jump on board. SB102 is good law - SB117 was not, and HB470 had too many hoops to jump through...now we can only wait and see. But if you care, watch with us, read the bill when it is online - and most importantly, agree or disagree EMAIL YOUR SENATOR AND RESPRESENTATIVE AND LET THEM KNOW!!!!

Pets do not make good neighbors!!!

I love animals but choose to not have pets.

I have watched the ineffective measures of "Animal Control" as my neighbors have battled barking dogs and neighbors dogs in their yard and house.

A bill like this would give animals more rights than the humans. If there is not a quick and clear way to stop a neighbor’s dog from barking, using my yard as a toilet or a cat from using my sand box as a toilet, then there will be people with BB guns and “torture” to animals.

Come on Greg Curtis, wake up and think about what you are doing!

Animals don’t need rights, owners need intelligence and neighbors need quiet and pet free yards. It would be much more effective to pass a bill making it a felony offence for owning a barking dog or a pet that leaves a pile in my yard, then you would not need an animal torture bill. MAKE THE OWNERS RESPONSIBLE!!!

Signed: Dumfounded

Hearing of animal cruelty makes me ill. Strengthening Utah's animal cruelty laws isn't just about protecting our furry friends...there is a correlation that torture/cruelty to animals can echo to domestic abuse later in that individuals lives. The opposition talks of not wanting to bring animals up to the human level, but lets look at it as a proactive move to protect humans and our animals.

This quote sums it up: "Animals are more than ever a test of our character, of mankind's capacity for empathy and for decent, honorable conduct and faithful stewardship. We are called to treat them with kindness, not because they have rights, power or a claim to equality, but in a sense, because they don't. They all stand unequal, innocent and powerless before us."
It's unfortunate to see that there are so many commentors on this blog who fail the character test.
What doesn't make a good neighbor is someone who will lure a Pomeranian or any dog into their yard then shoot it or stab it with a knife, then proceed to threaten the pet owner with the same weapon.

I've owned a lot of "pets", and only a small number of them were actually cats and dogs. I don't want someone shooting at my horses (as has happened before) as some sick sport, and I don't want someone using my rabbits as bait animals to encourage agressive behavior in their own dogs because they think it's fun. And what about the case last year when someone broke into a snake owner's house and butchered five large snakes with a knife? I understand the concern of the agriculture business. I don't agree with it, but I understand it. But there are a whole lot of different types of 'companion animals' other than dogs and cats. This is a very, very narrow-minded law.

>>>My only concern is that on occasion I have had to shoot dogs with a BB gun to keep them from using my lawn as a toilet.<<<

Well jeez, would you prefer the legislature to make it legal for you to shoot the neighbors instead, for letting their dogs run free??

Put up a frikken' FENCE!

It is sad to see that there are so many uncaring people in this state. I have several pets and a beautiful lawn. Dogs and cats do not ruin your yard. I do agree that pet owners should be held accountable for their pets actions. Dogs and cats do not use neighbors yards as toilets to be malicious. They cannot use toilets and don't know any better. I think abusing an animal should be a felony for ALL animals. It is a known fact that people that torture animals DO go on to hurt and kill humans. ie: Jeffery Dahmer, Charlie Manson, Richard Ramirez and many other serial killers have a history of animal cruelty. I wonder how the people that defend the right to abuse animals will feel when someone they love and care about is the victim of a crime committed by a past animal abuser. Will you defend them then.

While I know some will consider horses their pets, they were first used as work animals. Do not restrict the ability to use these animals properly for agricultural purposes.

I believe this bill was necessary to protect the pets that people who live in the city own and enjoy. That being said, there also needs to be some understanding about animals that become a nuisance to neighbors. As a farmer, I need to protect my income producing animals from predators, which in some cases are actually pets or animals belonging to neighbors. Sometimes city dwellers dump their trouble causing pets into agriculture areas. There ex-pets very quickly become a serious problem. I am very gentle and compassionate with all animals, but lets be reasonable. I can not allow neighbors uncontrolled pets to harass and threaten my family or animals. I therefore will use what ever action that is necessary to deal with a problem animal. I am concerned that someone might view my action as cruelty or even torture.