The House has voted 64-4 in favor of HB 650, Rep. Ken Andrus' animal cruelty bill; the measure now moves to a Senate committee. The only "no" votes came from Reps. Barrett, Barbieri, Hart and Harwood.

In his closing debate, Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, said, "I don't care if we're the only state that doesn't have animal cruelty for a felony if we're right. But I think there is some concern about ... treatment of animals. ... I think this is a reasonable approach." He said, "I don't guarantee you that this will stop initiatives." He noted that the bill that's already passed the Senate still is pending, and doesn't conflict with his measure. But that bill didn't address torture of companion animals or cockfighting, he said. "I think we need to cover our bases, and I think our bases are covered in a reasonable way."