A bill introduced in the Missouri House is seeking to change animal abuse convictions and protect those who report them.
The measure is House Bill 111, introduced by Representative Chrissy Sommer from St. Charles.
The bill states if a person is convicted of first time animal abuse the court is able to order the person to undergo psychological and psychiatric evaluation and treatment. It would be a Class A misdemeanor.
For a second conviction, the treatment would be mandatory.
The bill would also allow anyone, including veterinarians, who report suspected animal abuse to be free of liability for the report.
Another bill being introduced on a federal level two Congressman in Florida is seeking to make some charges of animal cruelty a federal felony.
If it passes, it would give authorities jurisdiction to charge abusers taking animals across state lines with federal charges.
It would also allow authorities to prosecute criminals if the cruelty occurs on federal property.
Those convicted would face felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison.
