State lawmakers will try again to crack down on animal cruelty in Michigan.
The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher reports.
The legislation would increase penalties for serial animal abusers. The worst offenders would face felony charges and up to seven years in prison.
Senator Rick Jones says there’s a link between animal abuse and domestic violence. He says abusers often torture pets as a way to control their victims.
“She knows she cannot take the dog or cat to the shelter, so the only way to save it is to return,” he says.
The legislation would also extend animal abuse laws to breeders and pet shop operators. Similar bills failed to clear the legislature last year.