Bill targeting cockfighting, animal torture clears House Ag panel

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Torturing animals and organizing cockfights would be considered felonies in Idaho under a bill heading to the full House. The House Agricultural Committee voted Monday to toughen animal cruelty penalties for pets and companion animals — a move intended to head off a ballot initiative by animal-rights advocates. Lava Hot Springs Rep. Ken Andrus sponsored the legislation, HB 650, to make it a felony for anyone convicted a third time for torturing animals. Organizers of gamecock fights would also qualify for a felony if drugs or gambling are involved. Livestock and other production animals are exempt from the bill. Andrus says he is wary of a tougher initiative by animal-rights advocates’ that makes animal torture a felony on a first offense. The groups behind the initiative have signaled support for Andrus’ bill, which Andrus offered as an alternative to another measure that earlier passed the Senate, but didn’t include the cockfighting clause or a definition of animal cruelty.