I’m perplexed. Much time has been devoted to improved animal welfare legislation in Idaho by legislators and humane supporters alike. Idaho ranks in the bottom four of all states when it comes to animal welfare legislation AND Idaho has gained notoriety at the national and even international level for it’s cruelty cases in the last several years. And now, HB 1317, is not even allowed out of committee. Calls, emails, and faxes to committee members have been ignored.

It was about 3 years ago, when Shane Haggard of Fort Hall, Idaho deliberately starved to death dozens of cows and horses. He got a slap on the wrist and was even allowed to keep some of the livestock. What a joke!

While this bill doesn’t make animal cruelty a felony, it does provide for stiffer penalties and makes cockfighting a felony as well as allowing for protections for production animals which is what the agriculture industry wanted. What does it take for Idaho to take animal cruelty seriously? We know that animal cruelty is often a precursor to child abuse. Let’s give our law enforcement some support. Let’s show Idaho’s “humane side” and move this bill along. It’s long overdue!

Andi Elliott
Hamer, ID
The Humane Society of the Upper Valley
For the Love of Pets Foundation
President
Petango.com/FTLOP

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