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Updated: 2:01 PM- A bill that would make torturing a cat or dog a third-degree felony received initial approval in the Senate Tuesday.
Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, sponsor of SB297, said the bill was a "true compromise."
"Isn't it a great and wonderful system when half of the members of this body think this bill is too hard, and the other half think it is too soft?" Christensen said. "Do I love it? I'm biting my tongue."
Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, attempted to amend the bill to make animal torture a Class A Misdemeanor, but it failed.
"This bill has gotten the buy in from most of the stakeholders," said Majority Leader Curt Bramble. "We need to pass it without an amendment."
The Senate must vote on the bill once more before it moves to the House.
