With interest growing statewide in the need for a felony animal cruelty law, concerned residents in the Yankton area are holding a public meeting. While animal cruelty is currently a misdemeanor, groups like the South Dakota Coalition for Companion Animals would like to see certain violent acts eligible for felony prosecution.
"Those convicted of intentional malicious acts of torture against animals need to be held accountable for their actions. As South Dakotans, we do not tolerate acts of violence regardless of the target." says Tanya Beckman-Compson, SDCCA vice president and owner of iK9kare.
Past attempts to change the law met with strong agricultural opposition. Farmers and ranchers shared concerns that stricter laws would be used to target commercial farming. The SDCCA hopes to meet that concern by asking legislators for wording that targets intentional malicious acts. They hope to hear from Ag groups to find wording everyone is comfortable with.
Becky Caton, retired military, is a Yankton resident who plans to attend the October 18th meeting.
"I grew up on a farm in South Dakota, I can not see a dog and a pig in the same category. We took care of our livestock because they brought money, we took care of our cats and dog because they were part of our lives." says Caton.
Many supporters of this change, see it as a safeguard for their communities. The feel the of identifying some offenders as felons will have long term benefits.
"Earlier identification of people with these kinds of problems and preventing their acquiring guns or advancing to more cruelty on people and animals." says Cheri Feight, a grandmother and resident of Burbank. "It also will contribute to a better image of our State on a national level."
The meeting will be Sunday, October 18th at 6:00 pm at the Yankton Summit Activities Center, 1801 Summit St. The public is invited to attend. This meeting is sponsored by the South Dakota Coalition for Companion Animals. More information can be found at http://www.sdcca.net
