Group Meets To Discuss South Dakota Animal Cruelty Laws

Sept. 17, 2009 - PRLog -- Several concerned voters across South Dakota have been working together to ask legislators to consider adding a felony punishment for aggravated, malicious animal cruelty to existing state law. A meeting is planned for Saturday, September 19th at 3:00pm in Sioux Falls. The meeting will be held at Fry N Pan on 4204 W 41st St. and is open to the public.
In 2009 a bill was presented to legislators asking to amend the current animal cruelty law, which is a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony. Opposition to the bill came in the form of farmers and ranchers who felt the definition of torture was to broad. The bill died in committee.
Local advocates for the passing of a felony amendment are hoping to find support for a bill that would not only protect farmers and ranchers, but punish offenders convicted of intentional torture or cruelty.
South Dakota's current law was drafted in 1991. Since then some voters feel the needs of their communities have changed. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) IV  lists episodes of animal cruelty as an indicator of anti social or conduct disorder. Often animal cruelty is just the first in a pattern of violent behavior that often leads to assaults on human victims.
Statistically animal abuse is becoming more and more prevalent. It has become a common element of domestic violence, and other types of violent crime. Nearly all known, convicted serial killers in the United States have admitted to ritual abuse of animals prior to choosing human victims.
Animal cruelty is not just a pet owner's issue, it affects families, children, and neighborhoods. Animal advocates, parents and other community leaders are encouraged to attend this meeting to discuss how to best approach law makers before the 2010 legislative session.
Interested citizens who can not attend Saturday's meeting are welcome to attend the next meeting, Saturday, October 10th at 3:00pm. That meeting will be held at the Whisk & Chop Cafe at 108 S. Minnesota Ave in Sioux Falls.
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