This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A bill that would make the torture of an animal a third-degree felony passed the Senate Wednesday.
SB297 came about as a compromise from animal-rights groups and livestock owners, said sponsor Sen. Allen Christensen.
"I applaud Senator Christensen," said Majority Leader Curtis Bramble. "It was not a journey he anticipated when he set out on this issue, but he's gotten buy-in from several stakeholders."
Sen. Scott Jenkins tried to amend the bill to make the first offense a Class A misdemeanor and a second offense a third-degree felony. The attempt failed.
The bill passed 21-6 and goes to the House for further debate. - Sheena McFarland
