House debate on animal cruelty: ‘Working dogs more valuable than man on ranch’
Rep. Ken Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, answering questions in the House about his animal cruelty bill, HB 650, said legislation that's already passed the Senate, backed by livestock groups, was seen by some animal advocates as not going far enough. "In my opinion, we're dealing with torture, and we're dealing with cockfighting," Andrus said. "You may see SB 1303, you likely will. That deals with cruelty to animals - all animals, including farm animals." He said his focuses instead just on cruelty to "companion animals." That wouldn't include working dogs, he said in response to questions; asked why not, he said, "Stock dogs and working dogs are considered more valuable than a man working on a ranch."